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Barry Cryer nods to his Yorkshire roots in choosing JB Priestley, the Bradford born author of ‘The Good Companions’ and ‘An Inspector Calls’.

Barry knew JB for the last 10 years of his life, and fondly recalls visiting a man he loved with two members of Monty Python. Other memories include a trip to the Cafe Royal, and thoughts on Priestley's notorious love of women.

Martin Wainwright, former northern editor of the Guardian, helps to bring to life a prolific writer nearly killed in the First World War. Some say he wrote so much to avoid the memories of that war.

Featuring colourful clips of JB Priestley and his son Tom.

The only discordant note is raised by presenter Matthew Parris: "It's awfully watchable, awfully readable, but where's the magic ? Is Priestley really very good?"

Recorded with an audience at the Arnolfini Arts Centre in Bristol.

Producer: Miles Warde

First broadcast on Â鶹Éç Radio 4 in January 2011.