Alan Bennett's TALKING HEADS

It was unfortunate that The Rep had to postpone its planned play, but all power to them for finding a replacement in very short time, due to the main protagonists, the Director Alan Goss, and three very experienced ladies who took on the challenge and gave us a fine evening’s entertainment.

The audience were advised that scripts may be used, but to be fair although they were there, the three ladies did not refer to them very often, so very well-handled ladies.

Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads monologues are very insightful and give each actor the chance to explore their character, to give an honest portrayal, and to achieve what these ladies did in such a short time was to be applauded.

The set was split into three different areas, giving the characters performance areas in each of their houses, which created interest.  The innovative wallpaper effect on the set allowed for interesting lighting, and with changes in props and furniture giving each monologue relevance, whilst allowing the actors some movement, allowing for changes in time and day.  Lighting benefitted the look and feel of each separate monologue.

I liked the music used, again it suited the feel of each piece.

“Soldiering On” – Barbara Morton gave a lovely performance as a strong woman reflecting on the death of her husband, her daughter’s mental illness caused by her husband, and her son misappropriating her money, and how she had to adapt, ending up in a one bedroom flat.  A very telling characterisation, with all the nuances of how Muriel accepted the situation.  Such a depth of understanding.

“Cream Cracker under the Settee” – Rona Cracknell showed us the rather naïve nature of this quiet woman, who had a fall trying to dust, when she had a home help who was supposed to do it, but didn’t, and also didn’t clean up with the Eubank, hence the cream cracker under the settee.  A charming study of someone resisting the possibility of being sent to a care home, and ending up smelling of pee!  I really felt for her.

“Lady of Letters” – Angela Goss created the forceful but rather sweet lady, who complained about anything and everything by writing letters, however one of her letters went too far, and she ended up in prison, where she found a new form of happiness, freedom and ribald language!  There were some real belly laughs in this monologue, a great portrayal.

These three ladies all gave their individual takes on the situation presented to them by their characters, and certainly showed their depth and wealth of experience.  I’m sure the audience was as impressed and intrigued as I was.

A super evening’s entertainment, with laughter and poignancy in equal shares.

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