Talking Heads (BBC Radio Collection)

by Alan Bennett, Thora Hird

book data

80 ratings, 4.08 average rating, 12 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		41%
4		31%
3		22%
2		3%
1		1%

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published

October 3rd 2001 by BBC Audiobooks (first published 1988)

details

Audio CD

isbn

0563558946 (isbn13: 9780563558941)

description

Alan Bennett's award-winning series of solo pieces is a classic of contemporary drama, universally hailed for its combination of razor-sharp wit and d…more

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May 13, 2009

Magdalena added it (review of isbn 1405688742)

Alan Bennett is something of an institution in Britain, known for the way in which he can encapsulate a world of voices within a single monologue. The monologues that make up this collection were written for BBC TV in 1987 and 1988, and feature a number of well known actors including Patricia Routledge, Thora Hird, Julie Walters, Anna Massey and Bennett himself. While it might have been possible to distance oneself while reading these on the page, listening to them is quite another experience. T...more Alan Bennett is something of an institution in Britain, known for the way in which he can encapsulate a world of voices within a single monologue. The monologues that make up this collection were written for BBC TV in 1987 and 1988, and feature a number of well known actors including Patricia Routledge, Thora Hird, Julie Walters, Anna Massey and Bennett himself. While it might have been possible to distance oneself while reading these on the page, listening to them is quite another experience. There’s an insular intensity that draws the reader in. You feel just a little bit dirty, implicated, and complicit as you listen to a range of confessions; stories of suppression, pretentions unhinged, and above all, a kind of pervasive loneliness that is almost too much to bear at times.

Most of the monologues contain just one character, and yet, by reference, there seem to be many more. For example, in the opening monologue “A Chip in the Sugar”, there is Graham Whittaker, a middle aged man who lives with his mother. His mother, and her ‘beau’ Frank Turnbull, have no voice in the piece – it’s all Graham’s recount, but they are as present and real to the action as if they were there. We’re in Graham’s point of view the entire time, but Graham’s mother is as tragic a character as Graham, and her excitement and loss moves the drama forward. Similarly, in "Bed Among the Lentils," Anna Massey's Susan has a transition which involves her husband, the parish ladies, and an Indian Grocer Ramesh. Each of these characters has life and depth, even as they exist only in the confessions of Susan.

Nearly all of the stories have a twist of some sort, usually in terms of character development. Susan discovers passion and begins to breath a little bit deeper in her transition. Irene Ruddock, in “A Lady of Letters”, changes entirely, as does Routledge’s other character Miss Fozzard in “Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet”. Most of the transitions occur slowly, and are handled with tremendous subtlety. Bennett uses the characters’ perceptions to show what they lose and find in the course of each monologue. Many of the monologues are funny, showing up the pretensions and imaginings of ordinary people in unusual circumstances, such as Celia in “The Hand of God”. Celia is both pompous and devious in the way she covets, helps, and befriends an elderly neighbour in an attempt to get hold of her antiques cheaply and then resell them. She is put back in her place when the odd picture of a finger she sells cheaply turns out to be a Michelangelo original sketch for the Sistine Chapel. Her realisation is both humorous and satisfying. Not all of the monologues are pleasant though. A few are chilling. Three in particular manage to combine both pathos and horror as they move away from the ordinary world of aging and loneliness into mass murder, child molestation, and torture. From the perspective of a single witness, you almost come to understand Wilfred’s compulsions in “Playing Sandwiches”, and feel Rosemary’s humiliation and anger in “Nights in the Garden of Spain”. The most intense of all, “The Outside Dog” takes the reader on a journey through denial and discovery, and although it’s an eye opener, it’s not at all easy to listen to. Nevertheless, this is heady listening. Alan Bennett is the master of the monologue, pondering a range of social issues with a deftness that few other playwrights could match. This powerful collection features some of Bennett’s most famous monologues, performed superbly by actors that clearly have a deep understanding of the work. The combination of character development, a great eye for the minutiae of everyday life, and a theatrical sense of the absurd and tragic inherent in that life makes this an excellent piece of work.(less)

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Jan 17, 2010

Dave rated it:

(review of isbn 184607259X)

Read in January, 2010

These are fantastic short TV plays--monologues all. They are beautifully worked miniatures, all of which are worth close reading, which isn't often the case with plays. Clear-eyed looks at people who aren't perfect, aren't necessarily 'interesting' or even nice at all, but who are real and alive and dealing with things, some better than others. Among my favorites: "Bed Among the Lentils," "Waiting for the Telegram," "Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet," "A Woman ...more

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Aug 06, 2009

Lizzie rated it:

(review of isbn 184607259X)

Read in October, 2008

I have recently retaken an English qualification and was required to read these monologues as part of the course work which I was not looking forward to but I found them to be surprisingly charming. The characters ring so true to live and Bennett shows a great understanding for human nature. They have the perfect balance of realism, humour and sadness.
Lady Of Letters is brilliant.

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Jan 14, 2009

Shui rated it:

(review of isbn 184607259X)

Read in January, 2009

Heard this on audio book. Each tale was narrated by well established actors/actresses from England. I just wallowed in the accents! Bennett is amazing as he brings to life the experiences of the every day person. Loved it!!

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Jun 29, 2009

Rizwana rated it:

(review of isbn 184607259X)

A poignant set of monologues that really explore the inticracies of the characters in depth. A realistic look into the minds of everyday people struggling with themselves and their environment.

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Jul 13, 2009

Candace rated it:

(review of isbn 184607259X)

bookshelves: plays, school-college

Read in August, 2009

I read this for college. What I thought would be a quick read ended up being something I dragged my heels through. Although I've heard nothing but good things about these plays, it was like I just didn't get them. An observant portrayal of British life? Er, maybe for a middle-aged, middle class reader. Not for me.

I won't say they were bad, because they weren't, but I didn't enjoy them either. It didn't help that I read an incomplete version. Some of the other monologues he's written ...more

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Feb 17, 2010

Andy rated it:

(review of isbn 184607259X)

Read in February, 2010

Not the worst book I have read - just don't get the point of translating monologues into books.

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Feb 09, 2010

Reenie added it (review of isbn 184607259X)

Loved it.

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Oct 26, 2009

Wesleysykes rated it:

(review of isbn 184607259X)

I had been told how funny this was. but i got to say it was very SAD! one of the stories just tore me up. but very well done.

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Jun 14, 2008

Cecily rated it:

(review of isbn 184607259X)

bookshelves: favourites, humour

Thirteen sad monologues, all with a twist. More happens in what is unsaid than what is said. Not a good idea to read too many in one sitting - moreish as they are - otherwise they meld a little too much.

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Jan 19, 2010

Ipswichblade rated it:

(review of isbn 0563206225)

Read in March, 2010

This is the book version of the one person monologues that were featured on TV a few years ago. Nice short easy read with some very funny and poignant moments

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