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1. Bittersweet

Episode 1 of 5

The award-winning comic’s memoir reflecting on his bittersweet childhood in Lincolnshire and the pitfalls of masculinity.

Comedian, actor and writer Robert Webb looks back on his bittersweet childhood in Lincolnshire, and also has wise words on masculinity's pitfalls.

Best known for his work with David Mitchell on BBC Radio 4's award winning That Mitchell and Webb Sound and Channel 4 TV's Peep Show, Robert has written a memoir that is both laugh out loud funny and powerfully moving and tender.

An uneasy early childhood growing up in Lincolnshire, is followed by schoolboy crushes on girls and boys, to discovering a talent for making people laugh, to grief, and to becoming a husband and father. As his life story unfolds, Robert questions the expectations thrust on boys and men and reflects on how these have shaped the man he is today.

Written and read by Robert Webb.

Abridged in five parts by Richard Hamilton.

Producer: Elizabeth Allard

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2017.

14 minutes

On radio

Mon 11 May 202608:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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2. The Decision

See all episodes from How Not to Be a Boy by Robert Webb

Credits

ReaderRobert Webb
AuthorRobert Webb
AbridgerRichard Hamilton
ProducerElizabeth Allard

Broadcasts

  • Mon 28 Aug 201709:45
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Tue 29 Aug 201700:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Mon 23 Nov 202014:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 24 Nov 202002:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 11 May 202608:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 11 May 202613:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 11 May 202619:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 12 May 202603:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra