TALKING HEADS

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Theatre Royal Bath Productions)

Alan Bennett's wonderful series of monologues, Talking Heads, popularised by the television adaptation starring icons such as Thora Hird, Patricia Routledge and Julie Walters, is enjoying a revival by the Theatre Royal Bath. Three of the most well known pieces, make up this new touring production. Siobhan Redmond is The Lady of Letters, followed by Karl Theobald in A Chip In The Sugar and Stephanie Cole concluding proceedings with A Cream Cracker Under The Settee.

Francis O'Connor's set design is mesmerising with its exaggerated perspective and cloud scattered sky covering the walls and ceiling. Each story was given its own perfectly simple setting, creating an ideal window into the character's lives. Although the setting was very effective, the scene changes in the final monologue broke the atmosphere, which was unfortunate. Of course, the length of these changes may have been down to the challenges of a touring venue or first night difficulties. Despite this, Stephanie Cole gives an endearing performance as the independent Doris who, in her twilight years, is determined to stay on her own home and not to end up in Stamford House, with tragic consequences. Karl Theobald is convincing as, Graham, the seemingly reluctant carer of his elderly mother who struggles with battling his own demons. The accolade of the night, however, goes to Siobhan Redmond, who is brilliant in her role of Miss Ruddock, whose literary pursuits land her in deep water and unexpected self realisation. Her performance is engaging and interpretation of her character's journey authentic.

The themes of these monologues are as relevant now as when they were penned, three decades ago. The underlying issue explored in each is loneliness, an epidemic in the UK and the cause of more health problems nowadays than obesity. Bennett is superb at celebrating the joys of humanity while simultaneously exposing vulnerability and fragility.

Talking Heads is a must for anyone who has never experienced them and a very entertaining remainder for those who have seen them before. This production runs at Malvern Theatres until Saturday before moving on to the Theatre Royal, Nottingham. 

4 stars