Mr Betjeman's Class
4 Extra Debut. On leaving Oxford without a degree, John becomes a cricket master at a prep school knowing nothing about it. Stars Ben Whitrow.
The 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.
Starring Ben Whitrow and Philippe Edwards.
Written by Jonathan Smith.
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
Also being broadcast by BBC Radio 4 Extra is Jonathan Smith's accompanying play - Mr Betjeman Regrets
Director: Bruce Young.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2017.
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 201714:15BBC Radio 4- Boxing Day 201914:15BBC Radio 4
- Mon 10 Oct 202210:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Mon 10 Oct 202215:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Tue 11 Oct 202203:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
