Talking Heads

Talking Heads by Alan Bennett deals with real life situations and within the three monologues performed by Ecclesall Theatre they covered death, isolation and jealousy . These monologues whilst exploring the three situations mentioned are so well written allowing the actors to show humour and sadness all delivered in a very appealing and pleasant manner.

Ecclesall Theatre Co are a well respected  established company who continually strive to bring a variety of plays to their audiences. In choosing these three monologues they required a director with vision, who could direct the actors with sufficient movement so as to portray the stories whilst keeping it flowing. This is a challenging feat when only one person is on stage but Graham Millar directed these actors beautifully. The set was cleverly designed with movable flats, hung doors, exchangeable windows and alternate furniture and pictures for each play. Alison Millar must be complimented for her choices of set dressing along with cleverly thought out costumes and wigs, all very fitting for the period. The lighting by Colin Barnsley and assistants added real atmosphere to each play in particular the raising and dimming allowing the time and day to move along seamlessly.

Graham Millar not only directing but also designing the set then undertook operating the sound which like the lighting was cleverly thought out. I’m sure we often see productions and don’t always appreciate how important the choice of music and the control of the volume adds so much to the overall experience, but it certainly did during these performances. Well done to the remaining backstage team led by Kiera Rhodes for moving the productions along without great delays, I particularly enjoyed your open stage set changing near the end. Very clever.

These three monologues require actors who not only have the confidence to perform totally alone but to also commit to learning and delivering pieces of theatre ranging from 25 to 40 minutes each . No mean feat at all. 

A Cream Cracker Under the Settee performed by Sue Preston. Doris the character obsessed by cleaning or more to the point a cleaner not cleaning well enough, forever wanting to grab hold of the Ewbank hoover. A beautiful line when saying how much she loved trees but wished they didn’t have leaves that made so much mess. Truly a sad story of loss, missing Wilfred and the loss of their baby and a feeling that she has had enough of life. Beautiful and movingly performed with tear jerking moments sitting on the floor culminating in the possibility of help but finally refusing it for fear of ending up in a home and finally slipping away. 

A Chip in the Sugar, performed by Paul Voodini character name Graham Whitaker. Such a sad story but with so much humour within. It felt like Graham’s mind was totally taken over by his mother and her comments and historical actions. He seemed beholden to the memories and many times finished a paragraph by saying “But I didn’t say anything” The writing of this piece included so many quality humorous lines all delivered to the highest order. Your movement and timing were well executed, with moments of totally reflective silence. These pauses are so difficult to portray when on your own but you did them with ease, being poignant from an audience perceptive. 

A Lady of Letters performed by Brdgette Rouse character name Miss Ruddock. Another beautifully written piece totally different to the previous ones. Today’s version of this character would spend all day on facebook and twitter along with sending emails by the dozen. I wouldn’t say the character was nosey, but she certainly didn’t want to miss anything !!The more involved she became in corresponding about everything eventually leading her into prison was beautifully portrayed with many memorable asides. The total feeling that she was always correct and couldn’t possibly be bothering anyone was well delivered with excellent pace. The subtle changes of light allowing you the entrances and exits along with changes of dress worked really well. 

In summary three excellent plays performed to the highest of standards.

Thank you for an evening of theatre much enjoyed by us and your audience .

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