Mark Lawson Talks to...

Alan Bennett (2009x12)

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Mark Lawson interviews writer Alan Bennett at the National Theatre in London, where his latest play, 'The Habit of Art', is in production. They cover a range of subjects, from Bennett's childhood to the days of 'Beyond the Fringe' and his subsequent work for stage, television and literature. He admits to being much more open about his personal life than he used to be and speaks frankly about his views on Rupert Murdoch, his political leanings and his lifelong interest in the process of education. As well as refusing honours from Oxford University, as discussed in this programme, Alan Bennett also turned down a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in 1988 and a knighthood in 1996.