Talking to a Stranger

by John Richard Hopkins

"John Hopkins the first authentic masterpiece written directly for television" - Observer.

Each of these plays is self-contained as well as being a part of the complete work; "Talking to a Stranger". Casts of each play and details of first transmission immediateley precede each of the four plays.

Part One; Any time you're ready, I'll Sparkle.
Part Two; No skill or special knowledge is required.
Part Three; Gladly, my cross-eyed bear
Part Four; The innocent must suffer.

First transmitted by Theatre 625 on B.B.C-2 on 2. October 1966 with Judy Dench as Terry.

"John Hopkins is one of the few TV playwrights who attempts seriously to explore life rather than to fill time: Daily Telegraph.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1967

Reviews

[Bettie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Description and blurbs: "John Hopkins the first authentic masterpiece written directly for television" - Observer.

Each of these plays is self-contained as well as being a part of the complete work; "Talking to a Stranger". Casts of each play and details of first transmission immediateley precede each of the four plays.

First transmitted by Theatre 625 on B.B.C-2 on 2. October 1966 with Judy Dench as Terry.

"John Hopkins is one of the few TV playwrights who attempts seriously to explore life rather than to fill time: Daily Telegraph.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhfxQ...

Part One; Any time you're ready, I'll Sparkle.

Part Two; No skill or special knowledge is required.

Part Three; Gladly, my cross-eyed bear

Damnation, the fourth part was missing from youtube. A chopsy, rebellious and compulsive liar of a young adult finds she is pregnant. Makes a change from the angry young man stance of the sixties.

Great performance from Dench however I couldn't recommend it.

[Velvetink]

Read it a long time ago, can't really remember it. Bought it back from the parents place to re-read so I can rate it.

[Iqbal Hamizul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I can describe a book as liminal and articulate as John Richard Hopkins. Talking to a Stranger feels like eavesdropping on the quiet, unfinished thoughts we all carry but rarely expressed. John Richard Hopkins writes with a gentle yet tellingly observant restraint, letting the small scenes and imagery to do the heavy lifting.

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caught this four part series on iplayer. Written for TV, each episode presents the perspective of a member within the feuding family. It is well written and well acted, Judy Dench would win a BAFTA for her role as the daughter Terry.