The Secret World

The Secret World takes one day in the lives of some (mainly British) public people and imagines what they might be up to. Starting in the morning and moving to night, the show has interconnected scenes and several running stories.
Departing from 'impression' show tradition, the script doesn't rely on exaggerating received ideas about celebrities. Nor does it generally seek to make points, or undermine them in the usual way. Impressions are secondary to the ideas - some of the characters are not 'impressions' at all.
Most the scenes are naturalistically performed with linking music adding to an unusual sound for Radio 4.
The programme is written months in advance of transmission, and is therefore not topical or political - it's a sometimes surreal twist on the familiar 'impression show' without parody, pastiche or the usual caricaturising.
'The Secret World delivers some great ideas, un-expected characterisations (Bruce Forsyth as a gangster!), and a number of rather good subtle jokes. We really enjoyed it a lot.' The British Comedy Guide

Many thanks to Stripe for contributions to this page.

Series 1
01. Jools Holland has an embarrassing encounter in a public baths.
02. Ray Winston becomes trapped in a duvet.
03. The Arctic Monkeys reveal their love for Woman's Hour.
04. The identity of Robert Mugabe's life coach revealed.
05. Boy George has a new cell mate-Abu Hamza 
06. Bill Gates wants a friend.

Series 2
01. Sir David Attenborough is told that there are too many 'old animals' in his nature shows, and this is putting off younger viewers. Al Pacino is stalking John Humphrys.
02. Alan Titchmarsh: quaint gardener or ruthless murderer? Sir David Attemborough is asked by the BBC diversity unit to put more disabled animals in his show - in positive circumstances. Ian Paisley meets Pink Floyd guitarist Dave Gilmour and insists that the band perform at his cousin Hugo's sixtieth birthday party. Alan Bennett replies to every bit of junk mail personally and with great style. Professor Richard Dawkins persues his career as a pop singer - auditioning for Lady Gaga.
03. David Beckham tries to hire a rainbow for a party.Richard Dawkins tries to join Amy Winehouse as a backing singer. Then he tries to join Chas of Chas and Dave.
04. Alan Titchmarsh shows a dark side when his career is at risk. Ringo Starr wants to get back with his old band - The Shadows. Beckham wants to buy a real T Rex from Spielberg. Al Pacino is still stalking John Humphrys. Abu Hamza and Boy George continue their unspoken romance.
05. Prince Charles is asked by his driver to help move some furniture. Arch Bishop Rowan Williams is upset that he never gets invited to go out drinking with the other Bishops. Ray Winstone is terrified of pins and needles. William Hague has an overnight guest he can't get rid of.
06. James Bond star Daniel Craig tries to get car insurance. Ghost hunter Derek Acorah is trying to find his missing bobble hat - but can't seem to conjure up an image. Jack Nicholson stalks thin women just so he can eat the food they leave. Ian Hislop goes to a nail bar.