Mr Betjeman's Class
By Jonathan Smith. First of two plays celebrating one of Britain's best-loved poets. Stars Benjamin Whitrow in his final role before his death at the age of 80.
By Jonathan Smith. First of two plays celebrating one of Britain's best-loved poets.
1928. John Betjeman, aged 23, has left Magdalen College - sent down without a degree. He's spent three years at Oxford being a class-conscious social climber, clowning his suburban way into the country house weekend set. With his ambitions in ruins, he's reduced to acting as cricket master in a prep school. He knows nothing of cricket.
Older Betjeman ..... Ben Whitrow
Younger Betjeman ..... Philippe Edwards
Bessie ..... Sophie Thompson
Ernest ..... Nicky Henson
Headmaster ..... Gerard McDermott
Boy 1 ..... Adam Thomas Wright
Boy 2 ..... Kedar Williams-Stirling
Boy 3 ..... Tom Cawte
Producer/director: Bruce Young
(Jonathan Smith's second play, Mr Betjeman Regrets, is at 2.15pm tomorrow.)
Last on
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Older Betjeman | Benjamin Whitrow |
| Younger Betjeman | Philippe Edwards |
| Ernest | Nicky Henson |
| Bessie | Sophie Thompson |
| Headmaster | Gerard McDermott |
| Boy 1 | Adam Thomas Wright |
| Boy 2 | Kedar Williams-Stirling |
| Boy 3 | Tom Cawte |
| Director | Bruce Young |
| Producer | Bruce Young |
| Writer | Jonathan Smith |
Broadcasts
- Christmas Day 2017 14:15BBC Radio 4
- Boxing Day 2019 14:15BBC Radio 4
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