Alan Bennett (b.1934) is a British dramatist, screenwriter, and actor. One of Britain’s finest writers for the stage and television, he examines the British class system, propriety, and England’s north-south cultural divide.
Born in Leeds, Bennett attended Oxford University to study modern history. After postgraduate research and National Service in the Joint Services School for Linguists, he became a junior lecturer in contemporary history at Magdalen College-Oxford (1960–62.)
Bennett first gained success with the satirical revue Beyond the Fringe (1960,) which he co-wrote and performed with Dudley Moore, Peter Cook, and Jonathan Miller. Bennett’s first stage play, Forty Years On (1968,) was followed by such plays as Getting On (1971) and Enjoy (1980.)
Bennett later wrote works for television, including An Englishman Abroad (1982) and Talking Heads (1988,) marked by his trademark blend of wry comedy and gloom. His screenplays include Prick Up Your Ears (1987.) His play The Madness of George III (1991) was made into the acclaimed film The Madness of King George (1995.)
The History Boys (2004,) Bennett’s play critiquing Britain’s education system, was made into a 2006 film and later a play that won six Tony Awards after its debut on Broadway. Bennett is also known for various audiobooks, including his reading of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Winnie-the-Pooh.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Alan Bennett
Those who have known the famous are publicly debriefed of their memories, knowing as their own dusk falls that they will only be remembered for remembering someone else.
—Alan Bennett
Topics: Fame
Children always assume the sexual lives of their parents come to a grinding halt at their conception.
—Alan Bennett
Topics: Parents
I was an only child. I lost both my parents. By the time I was twenty I was bald. I’m homosexual. In the way of circumstances and background to transcend I had everything an artist could possibly want. It was practically a blueprint. I was programmed to be a novelist or a playwright. But I’m not.
—Alan Bennett
Topics: Writers, Authors & Writing, Writing
If I am doing nothing, I like to be doing nothing to some purpose. That is what leisure means.
—Alan Bennett
Topics: Leisure
I can walk. It’s just that I’m so rich I don’t need to.
—Alan Bennett
Topics: Wealth
Definition of a classic: a book everyone is assumed to have read and often thinks they have.
—Alan Bennett
Topics: Books
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