Highlights from the satirical, political, and musical comedy TV sketch show starring Alan Bennett, John Sergeant, and Virginia Stride. On the Margin was a six-part BBC TV satirical comedy sketch show written and performed by Alan Bennett, with John ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Sergeant and Virginia Stride. It was first broadcast in 1966 and was such a critical success that it was repeated twice the following year. Although Alan Bennett—already famous due to Beyond the Fringe—took swipes at contemporary Britain, his love of his country’s cultural heritage always remained.