Episodes
| Series | Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 01 | Drink | 20120509 | 20130412/13 (BBC7) 20130414 (BBC7) 20160211 (BBC7) 20130407 (R4) | ~Believe It! Celebrity autobiographies are everywhere. Richard Wilson has always said he'd never write one. Based on glimmers of truth, BELIEVE IT is the hilarious, bizarre, revealing (and, most importantly, untrue) celebrity radiography of Richard Wilson. He narrates the series, weaving in and out of dramatised scenes from his fictional life-story. He plays a heavily exaggerated version of himself: a Scots actor and national treasure, unmarried, private, passionate about politics, theatre and Manchester United (all true), who's a confidant of the powerful and has survived childhood poverty, a drunken father, years of fruitless grind, too much success, monstrosity, addiction, charity work, secret work for governments and fierce rivalry with Sean Connery (not true). All the melodramatic staples of celebrity-autobiography are wonderfully undercut by Richard's deadpan delivery. (The title - in case you hadn't spotted - is an unashamed reference to his famous catchphrase.) Richard is supported by a small core cast viz: David Tennant John Sessions Lewis Macleod Arabella Weir And Jane Slavin Who plays anyone and everyone! Ghost written by Jon Canter Produced by: Clive Brill A Pacificus Production for BBC Radio 4. The bizarre (and untrue) celebrity radiography of Richard Wilson. |
| 01 | 02 | Rivals | 20120516 | 20130419/20 (BBC7) 20130421 (BBC7) 20160218 (BBC7) 20130414 (R4) | ~Believe It! Celebrity autobiographies are everywhere. Richard Wilson has always said he'd never write one. Based on glimmers of truth, Believe It is the hilarious, bizarre, revealing (and, most importantly, untrue) celebrity radiography of Richard Wilson. He narrates the series, weaving in and out of dramatised scenes from his fictional life-story. He plays a heavily exaggerated version of himself: a Scots actor and national treasure, unmarried, private, passionate about politics, theatre and Manchester United (all true), who's a confidant of the powerful and has survived childhood poverty, a drunken father, years of fruitless grind, too much success, monstrosity, addiction, charity work, secret work for governments and fierce rivalry with Sean Connery (not true). All the melodramatic staples of celebrity-autobiography are wonderfully undercut by Richard's deadpan delivery. (The title - in case you hadn't spotted - is an unashamed reference to his famous catchphrase.) Richard is supported by a small core cast: David Tennant John Sessions Lewis Macleod Arabella Weir and Jane Slavin who play anyone and everyone! Ghost written by Jon Canter Produced by: Clive Brill A Pacificus Production for BBC Radio 4. Richard Wilson unveils his radiography - revealing, surprising and largely untrue. |
| 01 | 03 | Boots | 20120523 | 20130426/27 (BBC7) 20130428 (BBC7) 20160225 (BBC7) 20130421 (R4) | Celebrity autobiographies are everywhere. Richard Wilson has always said he'd never write one. Based on glimmers of truth, Believe It is the hilarious, bizarre, revealing (and, most importantly, untrue) celebrity radiography of Richard Wilson. He narrates the series, weaving in and out of dramatised scenes from his fictional life-story. He plays a heavily exaggerated version of himself: a Scots actor and national treasure, unmarried, private, passionate about politics, theatre and Manchester United (all true), who's a confidant of the powerful and has survived childhood poverty, a drunken father, years of fruitless grind, too much success, monstrosity, addiction, charity work, secret work for governments and fierce rivalry with Sean Connery (not true). All the melodramatic staples of celebrity-autobiography are wonderfully undercut by Richard's deadpan delivery. (The title - in case you hadn't spotted - is an unashamed reference to his famous catchphrase.) Richard is supported by a small core cast viz David Tennant John Sessions Lewis Macleod Arabella Weir and Jane Slavin who play anyone and everyone! Ghost written by Jon Canter Produced by Clive Brill A Pacificus Production for BBC Radio 4. Why does Richard Wilson sleep with a pair of miners' boots by the bed? |
| 01 | 04 LAST | Power | 20120530 | 20130503/04 (BBC7) 20130505 (BBC7) 20160310 (BBC7) 20130428 (R4) | Celebrity autobiographies are everywhere. Richard Wilson has always said he'd never write one. Based on glimmers of truth, BELIEVE IT is the hilarious, bizarre, revealing (and, most importantly, untrue) celebrity radiography of Richard Wilson. He narrates the series, weaving in and out of dramatised scenes from his fictional life-story. He plays a heavily exaggerated version of himself: a Scots actor and national treasure, unmarried, private, passionate about politics, theatre and Manchester United (all true), who's a confidant of the powerful and has survived childhood poverty, a drunken father, years of fruitless grind, too much success, monstrosity, addiction, charity work, secret work for governments and fierce rivalry with Sean Connery (not true). All the melodramatic staples of celebrity-autobiography are wonderfully undercut by Richard's deadpan delivery. (The title - in case you hadn't spotted - is an unashamed reference to his famous catchphrase.) Richard is supported by a small core cast viz: David Tennant John Sessions Lewis Macleod Arabella Weir And Jane Slavin Who play anyone and everyone! Ghost written by Jon Canter Produced by: Clive Brill A Pacificus Production for BBC Radio 4. Does power drive you mad? Richard Wilson knows. |
| 02 | 01 | Victor | 20131211 | 20150225/26 (BBC7) 20170521 (BBC7) 20170522 (BBC7) 20140825 (R4) | Jon Canter's 'radiography' of Richard Wilson returns for a second series. Celebrity autobiographies are everywhere. Richard Wilson has always said he'd never write one. Based on glimmers of truth, Believe It is the hilarious, bizarre, revealing (and, most importantly, untrue) celebrity autobiography of Richard Wilson. He narrates the series with his characteristic dead-pan delivery, weaving in and out of dramatised scenes from his fictional life-story. He plays a heavily exaggerated version of himself: a Scots actor and national treasure, unmarried, private, passionate about politics, theatre and Manchester United (all true), who's a confidant of the powerful and has survived childhood poverty, a drunken father, years of fruitless grind, too much success, monstrosity, addiction, charity work and fierce rivalry with Sean Connery and Ian McKellan (not true). The title - in case you hadn't spotted - is an unashamed reference his famous catchphrase. Written by Jon Canter Produced and Directed by Clive Brill A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4. Richard Wilson charts the extraordinary effect Victor Meldrew has had on his life. |
| 02 | 02 | Secrets | 20131218 | 20150304/05 (BBC7) 20170528 (BBC7) 20170529 (BBC7) 20140826 (R4) | Jon Canter's 'radiography' of Richard Wilson returns for a second series. Celebrity autobiographies are everywhere. Richard Wilson has always said he'd never write one. Based on glimmers of truth, BELIEVE IT is the hilarious, bizarre, revealing (and, most importantly, untrue) celebrity autobiography of Richard Wilson. He narrates the series with his characteristic dead-pan delivery, weaving in and out of dramatised scenes from his fictional life-story. He plays a heavily exaggerated version of himself: a Scots actor and national treasure, unmarried, private, passionate about politics, theatre and Manchester United (all true), who's a confidant of the powerful and has survived childhood poverty, a drunken father, years of fruitless grind, too much success, monstrosity, addiction, charity work and fierce rivalry with Sean Connery and Ian McKellan (not true). The title - in case you hadn't spotted - is an unashamed reference his famous catchphrase. Richard Wilson discovers a secret relative he never knew he had. |
| 02 | 03 | Danger Man | 20131225 | 20150311/12 (BBC7) 20170604 (BBC7) 20170605 (BBC7) 20140827 (R4) | Jon Canter's 'radiography' of Richard Wilson returns for a second series. Celebrity autobiographies are everywhere. Richard Wilson has always said he'd never write one. Based on glimmers of truth, Believe It is the hilarious, bizarre, revealing (and, most importantly, untrue) celebrity autobiography of Richard Wilson. He narrates the series with his characteristic dead-pan delivery, weaving in and out of dramatised scenes from his fictional life-story. He plays a heavily exaggerated version of himself: a Scots actor and national treasure, unmarried, private, passionate about politics, theatre and Manchester United (all true), who's a confidant of the powerful and has survived childhood poverty, a drunken father, years of fruitless grind, too much success, monstrosity, addiction, charity work and fierce rivalry with Sean Connery and Ian McKellen (not true). The title - in case you hadn't spotted - is an unashamed reference his famous catchphrase. Written by Jon Canter Produced and Directed by Clive Brill A Pacificus Production for BBC Radio 4. Richard Wilson explains the long lasting influence Ian McKellen has had on his life. |
| 02 | 04 LAST | 20140101 | 20150318/19 (BBC7) 20170611 (BBC7) 20170612 (BBC7) 20140828 (R4) | Jon Canter's 'radiography' of Richard Wilson returns for a second series. Celebrity autobiographies are everywhere. Richard Wilson has always said he'd never write one. Based on glimmers of truth, Believe It is the hilarious, bizarre, revealing (and, most importantly, untrue) celebrity autobiography of Richard Wilson. He narrates the series with his characteristic dead-pan delivery, weaving in and out of dramatised scenes from his fictional life-story. He plays a heavily exaggerated version of himself: a Scots actor and national treasure, unmarried, private, passionate about politics, theatre and Manchester United (all true), who's a confidant of the powerful and has survived childhood poverty, a drunken father, years of fruitless grind, too much success, monstrosity, addiction, charity work and fierce rivalry with Sean Connery and Ian McKellan (not true). The title - in case you hadn't spotted - is an unashamed reference his famous catchphrase. Written by Jon Canter Produced and Directed by Clive Brill A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4. After a near-death experience, Richard decides to arrange his own fantasy funeral. | |
| 03 | 01 | Knight Fever | 20170412 | 20180727/28 (BBC7) 20200802 (BBC7) 20200803 (BBC7) 20211229 (BBC7) 20211230 (BBC7) 20220101 (BBC7) 20180722 (R4) | The third series of Jon Canter's not quite true autobiography of actor Richard Wilson. Believe what you like! Richard was unwell last year. He had a heart attack. But now he's recovered and is fighting fit. With a new lease of life - he considers those things most likely to make him happy in the future. What's on his bucket list? Get a Knighthood of course! Himself - Antony Sher Himself - Daniel Evans Himself - Angus Deayton Francois - Jasmine Hyde Jane - Jasmine Hyde Suzy - Eva Feiler Dave the Sound Engineer - Wilfredo Acosta Big Issue Seller - Kellie Shirley Produced and directed by Clive Brill. A Brill production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in April 2017. Recovering from a heart attack, what does Richard Wilson most need? A knighthood of course |
| 03 | 02 | Truth | 20170419 | 20180803/04 (BBC7) 20200809 (BBC7) 20200810 (BBC7) 20220105 (BBC7) 20220106 (BBC7) 20180729 (R4) | After a brush with death, Richard Wilson concludes that it's time to tell the truth. To everybody. He can't just be nice all the time. Sometimes you've got to tell it how it is. Jon Canter's not quite true autobiography of Richard Wilson. Will you believe any of it? Cabbie - Simon Greenall Workman - Simon Greenall Sheila Kaufmann - Arabella Weir Tamsen - Alice Redman Maddie - Kellie Shirley Marcus - Tom Dawze Actress - Lucy Robinson Compere - Martine McMenemy Produced and directed by Clive Brill. A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2017. Richard Wilson realises it's no good being Mr Nice Guy. He's got to tell the truth. |
| 03 | 03 | Legacy | 20170426 | 20180810/11 (BBC7) 20200816 (BBC7) 20200817 (BBC7) 20220112 (BBC7) 20220113 (BBC7) 20180805 (R4) | After a recent brush with death, Richard considers the legacy he will leave behind. So he ponders the best way to bequeath something to the next generation. Jon Canter's not quite true autobiography of Richard Wilson. Will you believe any of it? Himself - John Humphrys Herself - Kathy Clugston Himself - Daniel Evans Mr Bean - Simon Greenall Jennifer La Marr - Lucy Robinson Lucinda - Lucy Robinson Margy - Kellie Shirley Mary McCormack - Martine McMenemy Julie - Eva Feiler Produced and directed by Clive Brill. A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2017. After a recent brush with death, Richard Wilson considers the legacy he will leave behind. |
| 04 | 01 | Scotland | 20180903 | 20230729 (BBC7) 20221109 (R4) | The fourth series of Jon Canter's not quite true autobiography of actor Richard Wilson. Believe what you like! Richard decides that it's time he became more Scottish. So he calls on all his Scottish friends to do likewise. Himself - Anthony Sher Himself - Peter Capaldi Herself - Arabella Weir Sheila/Deirdre/Scottish Lady - Lotte Rice Nicola Sturgeon - Arabella Weir Vincent/Drunk - David John Produced and Directed by Clive Brill. A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2018. Richard Wilson decides that it's time he became more Scottish. With Ian McKellen. |
| 04 | 02 | Money | 20180910 | 20230805 (BBC7) 20221116 (R4) | The fourth series of Jon Canter's not quite true autobiography of actor Richard Wilson. Believe what you like! Richard Wilson contemplates the role of money in his life comparing himself to other celebs along the way. Himself - Anthony Sher Herself - Miriam Margolyes Herself - Kathy Clugston Aunt Hilda - Sandra Voe Cashman - Elliot Levy Angela Carey - Nesba Crenshaw Produced and Directed by Clive Brill. A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2018. Richard Wilson contemplates the role of money in his life. |
| 04 | 03 | Boyfriend | 20180917 | 20230812 (BBC7) 20221123 (R4) | The fourth series of Jon Canter's not quite true autobiography delving into the nooks and crannies of actor Richard Wilson's life and works. Richard decides it really is time he went in search of true love - but where will he start? At his age? Himself - Anthony Sher Himself - Angus Deayton Himself - Robin Hooper Mrs Gold - Arabella Weir Mario/Simon - Elliot Levey Daniel - Clive Brill Produced and Directed by Clive Brill A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2018. Richard decides it really is time he went in search of true love. |
| 04 | 04 LAST | Meal | 20180924 | 20230819 (BBC7) 20221130 (R4) | Concluding the fourth series of Richard Wilson's Radiography in which writer Jon Canter delves into the true and not so true nooks and crannies of Richard's life and works. Richard decides to invite his friends to the meal of a lifetime. But who will he choose? And will it be worth it? Himself - Peter Capaldi Herself - Miriam Margolyes Jazz Vegan - Ayesha Antoine On-line vegan - Arabella Weir Mario - Elliot Levey Lottie - Lotte Rice Produced and Directed by Clive Brill. A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2018. |
| 05 | 01 | Brand | 20200925 | 20230127 (BBC7) 20230122 (R4) | Richard Wilson returns with another series of not quite true revelations about his life. Jon Canter's comedic writing is as sharp as ever as he delves into themes such as celebrity, brand awareness and death. As usual Richard has many friends from whom he seeks advice. Starring Ian McKellen as Head of Gay, Peter Capaldi and David Tennant as the Two Doctors, and Antony Sher as The Man Addicted To Waitrose along with an excellent supporting cast. It's a mockumentary and spoof autobiography rolled into one. CAST: Sir Antony Sher Rebekah Staton - Danielle Arabella Weir Sir Ian McKellen Elliot Levey - The Waiter Written by Jon Canter Produced and directed by Clive Brill A Brill production for BBC Radio 4 Richard Wilson is keen to expand his portfolio of work. He is advised to become a 'brand'. |
| 05 | 02 | Autobiography | 20201002 | 20230203 (BBC7) 20230129 (R4) | Richard Wilson returns with another series of not quite true revelations about his life. Jon Canter's comedic writing is as sharp as ever as he delves into themes such as celebrity, brand awareness and death. As usual Richard has many friends from whom he seeks advice. Starring Ian McKellen as Head of Gay, Peter Capaldi and David Tennant as the Two Doctors, and Antony Sher as The Man Addicted To Waitrose along with an excellent supporting cast. It's a mockumentary and spoof autobiography rolled into one. CAST: Sir Ian McKellen John Hollingworth - Kenneth Rebekah Staton - Camille Written by Jon Canter Produced and directed by Clive Brill A Brill production for BBC Radio 4. Richard decides it's time to write his celebrity autobiography. |
| 05 | 03 | Grumpy Old Menopause | 20201009 | 20230210 (BBC7) 20230205 (R4) | Richard Wilson returns with another series of not quite true revelations about his life. Jon Canter's comedic writing is as sharp as ever as he delves into themes such as celebrity, brand awareness and death. As usual Richard has many friends from whom he seeks advice. Starring Ian McKellen as Head of Gay, Peter Capaldi and David Tennant as the Two Doctors, and Antony Sher as The Man Addicted To Waitrose along with an excellent supporting cast. It's a mockumentary and spoof autobiography rolled into one. CAST: Alexei Sayle Jasmine Hyde - Tina and Announcer Eliot Levey - Jonathan Kate - Janine and Linda Sarah Lambie Claire Written by Jon Canter Produced and directed by Clive Brill A Brill production for BBC Radio 4. Richard Wilson finds himself getting grumpier and grumpier with age. What to do about it? |
| 05 | 04 LAST | Goodbye | 20201016 | 20230217 (BBC7) 20230212 (R4) | Richard Wilson returns with another series of not quite true revelations about his life. Jon Canter's comedic writing is as sharp as ever as he delves into themes such as celebrity, brand awareness and death. As usual Richard has many friends from whom he seeks advice. Starring Ian McKellen as Head of Gay, and Peter Capaldi and David Tennant as the Two Doctors, along with an excellent supporting cast. It's a mockumentary and spoof autobiography rolled into one. CAST: Sir Ian McKellen Jan Ravens Irina - Rebekah Staton Alexis - Elliot Levey Written by Jon Canter Produced and directed by Clive Brill A Brill production for BBC Radio 4 Richard Wilson considers his mortality. |
| 06 | 01 | Journey Home | 20220513 | This is the sixth series of Jon Canter's 'radiography' of Richard Wilson. Exploring elements of Richard's life that are very nearly true. Expect visits from David Tennant, Sir Ian McKellen, Arabella Weir and Stephen Mangan to name but four. In the first episode, Richard has an extraordinary urge to go back to his birth place, Greenock. Who better to accompany him than fellow Scot David Tennant? Richard persuades David to drive. Written by Jon Canter Starring Richard Wilson and David Tennant Produced by Clive Brill A Brill production for BBC Radio 4 Richard Wilson persuades David Tennant to drive him back to his home town of Greenock. | |
| 06 | 02 | Stuff | 20220520 | This is the sixth series of Jon Canter's 'radiography' of Richard Wilson - exploring elements of Richard's life that are very nearly true. Expect visits from David Tennant, Sir Ian McKellen, Arabella Weir and Stephen Mangan to name but four. Written by Jon Canter Starring and Arabella Weir Produced by Clive Brill A Brill production for BBC Radio 4 Richard Wilson decides it's time to declutter his life. | |
| 06 | 03 | Party | 20220527 | This is the sixth series of Jon Canter's 'radiography' of Richard Wilson - exploring elements of Richard's life that are very nearly true. Expect visits from David Tennant, Sir Ian McKellen, Arabella Weir and Stephen Mangan to name but four. Richard Wilson decides to hold the party to end all parties. But who will be invited? And will they come? And who's doing the canap退s? Written by Jon Canter Starring Jos Vantyler Produced by Clive Brill A Brill production for BBC Radio 4 | |
| 06 | 04 LAST | Holiday | 20220602 | This is the sixth series of Jon Canter's 'radiography' of Richard Wilson - exploring elements of Richard's life that are very nearly true. Expect visits from David Tennant, Sir Ian McKellen, Arabella Weir and Stephen Mangan to name but four. Richard Wilson decides to hold the party to end all parties. But who will be invited? And will they come? And who's doing the canap退s? Written by Jon Canter Starring Jos Vantyler Roberto Produced by Clive Brill A Brill production for BBC Radio 4 Richard Wilson wants a holiday. But he's not sure he wants to leave his flat. |