Talking Heads

When you are told that tonight’s performance is 3 Alan Bennet monologues your expectations are immediately heightened. A name most people recognise and someone who was not afraid to attack difficult subject matter. Although with very different themes to deal with the actors, who put forward themselves and took on the task of a lot of dialogue, did the theatre company proud.

In “A Chip in the Sugar” it was Neil Stirling who took on the role of Graham. He set the scene from the start and his interpretation of a neurotic single man with mental health issues who lived with his mother took his audience from laughter to sadness. At times his style caused issues with the prompt as some of the pauses were very long. However Neil should be pleased with his comeback performance.

Our next offering was “A Cream Cracker Under the Settee” and although the shortest piece of the evening it packed a heart wrenching punch from the start. Doris, performed admirably by Brenda Reid, drew us in to her life and ultimate end with glimpses of what might have been along the way. It was a performance with class and compassion and I shed a tear at the end.

Lastly we were served up “Her Big Chance” with Lesley played by Kelsey Mackenzie. Kelsey managed to lead the audience into the chaotic lifestyle of this young woman with confidence. As an audience member you kept on saying to yourself “She can’t be that daft”! But she was! Kelsey played it all with an upbeat attitude, putting over the funny lines well and managing the quick changes easily. Well done!

Congratulations to all involved in an enjoyable evening’s entertainment.

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