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An Englishman Abroad by Alan Bennett

What did the actress say to the agent? Coral Browne meets Guy Burgess. Stars Michael Gambon and Penelope Wilton.

When a mysterious Englishman appears in her dressing-room, actress Coral Browne assumes he's with the embassy.

But, if so, why are his trousers out at the knees?

And what does he want with her face-powder?

Starring Michael Gambon and Penelope Wilton.

Alan Bennett based this drama on a real incident in Moscow involving British diplomat and Soviet double-agent, Guy Burgess in 1958.

Guy Burgess ....... Michael Gambon
Coral Browne ....... Penelope Wilton
Mrs Burgess ....... Lala Lloyd
Claudius ....... John Baddeley
Tolya/Hamlet ....... Michael Higgs

Adapted from BBC TV's 1983 film.

Director: Hilary Norrish

First broadcast on the BBC World Service in October 1994.

45 minutes

Last on

Tue 21 Oct 202505:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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