British Comedy Guide
Michael Palin
The Weekend

The Weekend

  • Radio comedy drama
  • BBC Radio 4
  • 2017
  • 1 episode

Michael Palin stars with Penelope Wilton in his dark comedy of family meltdown. Also features Patrick Barlow, Hugh Dennis, Bryony Hannah, Cathy Sara, Sophie Thompson and Bill Paterson

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Key details

Genre
Comedy Drama
Broadcast
2017
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Episodes
1
Stars
Michael Palin, Penelope Wilton, Patrick Barlow, Hugh Dennis, Bryony Hannah, Cathy Sara, Sophie Thompson and Bill Paterson
Writers
Michael Palin and Richard Stoneman
Director
Marilyn Imrie
Producer
Marilyn Imrie
Company

The Weekend concerns a middle aged Englishman whose life is suddenly and utterly changed when a family gathering of sad daughter, dreary husband, and awkward teenager has him reaching for double whiskies laced with heavy sarcasm.

Radio 4 says: "Michael Palin's only stage play contains much of his self-effacing humour, but there's sharp observation and truth too. It's as dryly comic and acutely observed as Ayckbourn, as wry as Wodehouse and as acerbic as Coward. This first adaptation for radio is by Richard Stoneman - writer on TV's hit series Doc Martin - and stars Michael Palin in the central role."

Additional details

Production
Studio

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Saturday 3rd June 2017 at 3pm on BBC Radio 4
Episode length
1 hour
All previous repeats
  • Sunday 13th March 2022 at 3:00pm on Radio 4

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