Main content
This programme is not currently available

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 麻豆社 TV's 1983 film.

Director: Hilary Norrish

First broadcast on the 麻豆社 World Service in October 1994.

45 minutes

Last on

Tue 21 Oct 2025 05:00
麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra

Broadcasts

  • Mon 3 Mar 2008 10:15
    麻豆社 Radio 7
  • Mon 3 Mar 2008 21:15
    麻豆社 Radio 7
  • Tue 4 Mar 2008 02:15
    麻豆社 Radio 7
  • Wed 18 Feb 2009 10:15
    麻豆社 Radio 7
  • Wed 18 Feb 2009 21:15
    麻豆社 Radio 7
  • Thu 19 Feb 2009 02:15
    麻豆社 Radio 7
  • Sat 9 May 2009 13:00
    麻豆社 Radio 7
  • Sun 10 May 2009 01:00
    麻豆社 Radio 7
  • Fri 8 Apr 2011 15:00
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 9 Apr 2011 05:00
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 24 Apr 2012 11:15
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 24 Apr 2012 21:15
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 25 Apr 2012 04:15
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 25 May 2013 13:15
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Sun 26 May 2013 03:15
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 20 Feb 2016 14:15
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Sun 21 Feb 2016 02:15
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 7 Jun 2021 10:00
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 7 Jun 2021 15:00
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 8 Jun 2021 03:00
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 20 Oct 2025 15:00
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 20 Oct 2025 21:00
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 21 Oct 2025 05:00
    麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra

Featured in...