I am old enough to remember the original TV versions of the Talking Heads monologues by Alan Bennett. They were gentle and bittersweet, often with a few surprising twists. The Play’s The Thing theatre company brought their production, featuring 2 of the most iconic monologues – A lady of Letters & Soldiering On – to the Maltings Theatre as part of their regional tour.
The Maltings Theatre is a relatively small space, providing a suitably intimate setting. The first monologue featured Caroline Mann as Irene Ruddock, in A Lady Of Letters. Irene copes with her loneliness by writing a multitude of letters to numerous people, including the Queen. Unfortunately the letters include accusations that get her into trouble. Caroline Mann gives a balanced performance, allowing the script the space it needed to deliver the twists and turns and a surprisingly uplifting ending. Bennett is able to gently prod and poke at some of societies issues with a pathos and tenderness that have underlined his work for many years.
After a short intermission, the second monologue featured Sue Whyte as Muriel Carpenter in Soldiering On. Muriel has recently lost her husband Ralph and faces the future with a highly stoic approach. Her trust in her sons’ financial advice leads her into serious financial trouble, but she finds it impossible to find fault in her late husband or son. It is a study in the ‘dust yourself down and carry on’ approach of previous generations. Sue Whyte brings the character to life well, adding great depth to the role.
Overall an enjoyable and entertaining night out, which is of course how it should be. This was just the kind of production suited to the Maltings Theatre.
