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Preview
  • When We are Married (Classic Radio Theatre)

  • By: J. B. Priestley
  • Narrated by: Alan Bennett
  • Length: 1 hr and 27 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (32 ratings)

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When We are Married (Classic Radio Theatre)

By: J. B. Priestley
Narrated by: Alan Bennett
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Summary

A sparkling BBC Radio 4 adaptation of J.B. Priestley’s comic play, starring Alan Bennett, Brenda Blethyn, Gwen Taylor, Alun Armstrong, Michael Jayston and Nicola Pagett. Three eminently respectable Yorkshire couples are in the midst of their joint silver wedding celebrations when they receive a rude shock - they are not legally married.

Confronted with this revelation, the couples face a host of personal dilemmas - not to mention the fear of the public scandal that would ensue if the news were to get out. Hovering closely over the proceedings is the Yorkshire Argus’ alcohol-soaked photographer, keen to record the evening’s events for posterity, and a wickedly destructive housekeeper who is hoping to use the couples’ mortification to her own advantage...Elizabeth Spriggs and Polly James are also amongst the cast in this BBC Radio 4 production from 1994.The 'Classic Radio Theatre' range presents notable radio productions of much-loved plays by some of the most renowned playwrights, and starring some of our finest actors.

©2011 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2011 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
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What listeners say about When We are Married (Classic Radio Theatre)

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

When We are Married

This is one of my favourite Priestley plays. The cast are all well known and portray their characters very well. The comedy is excellent and although dated is still very entertaining and worth listening to.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Well acted, old fashioned comedy

This play has not aged well, but there is a certain old fashioned charm to the story. Very good performances from an excellent cast.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Wonderfully daft and shamelessly predictable

Would you listen to When We are Married (Classic Radio Theatre) again? Why?

Definitely. It was very funny, with a nice touch of drama. Also, due to the fast pace and the many chaotic scenes I'm certain I missed a lot the first time round.

What did you like best about this story?

The way the three couples dealt (or rather, didn't deal) with the sudden change in their situation.

What about Alan Bennett’s performance did you like?

To be honest I'm not familiar with Alan Bennett, but all the male characters were excellently played. As were the female ones, for that matter.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed a LOT. But I also cared what happened to each couple.

Any additional comments?

Could someone please record the unabridged audio book of The Good Companions!!

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Mildly Entertaining

Not my favourite Priestley piece but well produced and acted with entertaining moments. Mr Ormonroyd is the highlight for me.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Timeless

A very good tale of life as lived by “our betters “ until they are not
Acted with gusto and precision I felt like I was in their front parlour
5 stars all round

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