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Two in Torquay
A middle-aged man and woman chat politely in a hotel. Neither is quite what they seem to be. In the audio edition, the actors are Alan Bennett and Judi Dench.
Audible Audio
First published July 10, 2003
200 people want to read
About the author
Alan Bennett
275 books1,122 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Alan Bennett is an English author and Tony Award-winning playwright. Bennett's first stage play, Forty Years On, was produced in 1968. Many television, stage and radio plays followed, along with screenplays, short stories, novellas, a large body of non-fictional prose and broadcasting, and many appearances as an actor. Bennett's lugubrious yet expressive voice (which still bears a slight Leeds accent) and the sharp humour and evident humanity of his writing have made his readings of his own work (especially his autobiographical writing) very popular. His readings of the Winnie the Pooh stories are also widely enjoyed.
Alan Bennett is an English author and Tony Award-winning playwright. Bennett's first stage play, Forty Years On, was produced in 1968. Many television, stage and radio plays followed, along with screenplays, short stories, novellas, a large body of non-fictional prose and broadcasting, and many appearances as an actor. Bennett's lugubrious yet expressive voice (which still bears a slight Leeds accent) and the sharp humour and evident humanity of his writing have made his readings of his own work (especially his autobiographical writing) very popular. His readings of the Winnie the Pooh stories are also widely enjoyed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 3, 2020
Update - new audio link to this very short play. 10-star! 10-star! 10-star! This two-hander play is Alan Bennett at his best. Two people meet who have never met before. They talk about the weather, they talk about the woman, the spinster's rather miserable life, they talk about her mother, they talk of darker things.... If the woman is a spinster, if the mother is a mother, if the darker things are dark and if so dark for whom? And how many things?
There is a sting. It is an unexpected sting as stings should be. But then there is another sting that is almost the same as the first one, but completely different. And then there is the finale, which twists everything, but the outcome, around.
What the hell was it all about you must be thinking if you read this far?
You can read it online here. Audio link updated (better!) here and is 15 minutes of fabulousness and delight at such writing and acting (Judi Dench and Alan himself). Enjoy!
14/2020
There is a sting. It is an unexpected sting as stings should be. But then there is another sting that is almost the same as the first one, but completely different. And then there is the finale, which twists everything, but the outcome, around.
What the hell was it all about you must be thinking if you read this far?
You can read it online here. Audio link updated (better!) here and is 15 minutes of fabulousness and delight at such writing and acting (Judi Dench and Alan himself). Enjoy!
14/2020
February 20, 2020
A very short read that still manages to impress, but then I wouldn’t expect anything less from the great Alan Bennett. Very funny with some great twists, you can read it for free on this link. https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v25/n...
July 22, 2020
Edited 7/22/2020
The link that I included here when I first listened to this doesn’t work anymore. Here’s one that does. Thanks to GR member Pamela.
https://youtu.be/hUssziECrXA
I listened to my friend Debbie and stopped what I was doing to listen to this clever, funny and twist of a story. Nothing more to say except , listen for yourself. It’s worth the 13 or so minutes .
Thanks to Debbie, Kevin and Carol and to Petra X for bringing it to Debbie’s and Kevin’s attention.
The link that I included here when I first listened to this doesn’t work anymore. Here’s one that does. Thanks to GR member Pamela.
https://youtu.be/hUssziECrXA
I listened to my friend Debbie and stopped what I was doing to listen to this clever, funny and twist of a story. Nothing more to say except , listen for yourself. It’s worth the 13 or so minutes .
Thanks to Debbie, Kevin and Carol and to Petra X for bringing it to Debbie’s and Kevin’s attention.
May 17, 2023
Two in Torquay by Alan Bennett
A funny short story, a five-minute read that is all dialog. I won’t give away any plot except to say one of its themes is “gotcha.” I’ll also tell you a funny story related to theme.
I first saw this in a review from my GR friend Maureen. You can download the story at https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v25/n...
My story: one year I was visiting family in Massachusetts and I was reading the local paper. It was Mother’s Day and the news featured a human-interest story about an 80-year old woman who lived with her mother and had devoted the last 30-or-so years to caring for her mother, now approaching 100. I don’t recall if the story said the daughter was ever married or had her own children. A wonderful story. But a part of me thought maybe it was time the younger woman said “Go make your own damn sandwich.” LOL
Being a geographer I was also intrigued by the name Torquay, which I had not heard of. It’s a seaside resort on the peninsula of southwest England. It’s been called the “British Riviera.” It looks like quite a nice place to visit. Agatha Christie was born there and there are museums and garden walks devoted to her.
The British author (b. 1934) has written a dozen books and is probably best-known for his short novel The Uncommon Reader that the blurbs describe as “A deliciously funny novella that celebrates the pleasure of reading.”
Photo of Torquay from discoveryholidayhomes.com
The author from telegraph.co.uk
[Edited 5/17/23]
A funny short story, a five-minute read that is all dialog. I won’t give away any plot except to say one of its themes is “gotcha.” I’ll also tell you a funny story related to theme.
I first saw this in a review from my GR friend Maureen. You can download the story at https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v25/n...
My story: one year I was visiting family in Massachusetts and I was reading the local paper. It was Mother’s Day and the news featured a human-interest story about an 80-year old woman who lived with her mother and had devoted the last 30-or-so years to caring for her mother, now approaching 100. I don’t recall if the story said the daughter was ever married or had her own children. A wonderful story. But a part of me thought maybe it was time the younger woman said “Go make your own damn sandwich.” LOL
Being a geographer I was also intrigued by the name Torquay, which I had not heard of. It’s a seaside resort on the peninsula of southwest England. It’s been called the “British Riviera.” It looks like quite a nice place to visit. Agatha Christie was born there and there are museums and garden walks devoted to her.
The British author (b. 1934) has written a dozen books and is probably best-known for his short novel The Uncommon Reader that the blurbs describe as “A deliciously funny novella that celebrates the pleasure of reading.”
Photo of Torquay from discoveryholidayhomes.com
The author from telegraph.co.uk
[Edited 5/17/23]
February 11, 2020
Not a book, but a short audio play by Alan Bennett; the playwright who once said that "Life is like a tin of sardines -we're all of us looking for the key."
Bennett, with his usual deadpan delivery, plays Mr Mortimer, who engages in polite conversation with crotchety Miss Plunkett - a woman not receptive to small talk with complete strangers. Miss Plunkett is ably realised by Dame Judi Dench.
Mr Mortimer touches a raw nerve and events take an unexpected turn...
My thanks to @Petra-X for bringing my attention to this delightful skit: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The piece is available to download for free HERE and takes less time than it would to boil a pan of spaghetti.
Bennett, with his usual deadpan delivery, plays Mr Mortimer, who engages in polite conversation with crotchety Miss Plunkett - a woman not receptive to small talk with complete strangers. Miss Plunkett is ably realised by Dame Judi Dench.
Mr Mortimer touches a raw nerve and events take an unexpected turn...
My thanks to @Petra-X for bringing my attention to this delightful skit: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The piece is available to download for free HERE and takes less time than it would to boil a pan of spaghetti.
September 13, 2022
Never one to ignore a bandwagon, I leaped onto this one the moment I noticed it rattling through Goodreads. This short play was recorded for the BBC nearly 17 years ago, making it all the more remarkable that it's only now beginning to gain recognition on this site. Less surprising is the positive feedback it's generating. With a running time of less than 14 minutes, and with Alan Bennett and Judi Dench - two of our most very British of treasures - at the helm, it was never likely to be anything other than a crowd-pleaser.
You can find the link to the play here: https://archive.org/details/TwoInTorquay
You can find the link to the play here: https://archive.org/details/TwoInTorquay
February 17, 2020
Thank you to all GR friends reviews, Kevin, Angela et al that led me to this! A glorious piece of radio drama, short yet fabulous.....nothing more than I would expect from the great Alan Bennett and Judi Dench. :)
February 14, 2020
Two in Torquay is a short audio piece featuring Dame Judi Dench as the prickly Miss Plunkett, who is approached by Mr. Mortimer, a snake oil salesman if ever there was one, played by Alan Bennett. The conversation that passes between these polar opposites is highly entertaining with a touch of naughty.
MR MORTIMER: "I see. Good. (Pause) Now Miss Plunkett. I wonder if I might draw your attention to this bulge in my trousers? It is not, perhaps, quite what you may imagine.”
Listening to this was the best fifteen minutes of my day. You can listen for free HERE.
A big thank you to Kevin Ansbro for the delightful review that led me to this gem.
MR MORTIMER: "I see. Good. (Pause) Now Miss Plunkett. I wonder if I might draw your attention to this bulge in my trousers? It is not, perhaps, quite what you may imagine.”
Listening to this was the best fifteen minutes of my day. You can listen for free HERE.
A big thank you to Kevin Ansbro for the delightful review that led me to this gem.
February 14, 2020
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. HEHEHEHEHEHEHE. GREAT SHORT AUDIO-DRAMA-PLAY!.......with a twist...or two...or three.
Thank you Goodread's friend Debbie for your enticing, fired-up review....and the link! I would have surely missed this one.
(Now I must read it too, if available in print.)
October 24, 2021
Saucy and smart! A well-placed suggestion, an unspoken intention, an outright speedy solicitation. The tricks of the trade never fail to get the job done for both the deceived and the deceiver.
Read: https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v25/n...
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUssz...
Read: https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v25/n...
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUssz...
August 2, 2020
Update 8/1/2020: Had to replace the link that goes to the audio version (below). Thanks, Angela, for pointing out that the old link didn't work.
Pogo stick time!
Stop what you’re doing immediately and listen up! You only need 13 minutes; come on, you can spare that! And don’t worry, you can still cut your toenails because all you need are your ears. I know I’m being a pushy bitch, but you just HAVE to hear this! I guarantee you’ll be captivated and transported. It’s Judi Dench, no less, and Alan Bennett himself reading. Oh, their voices! I’m a sucker for British accents anyway, but the two of them are such consummate actors, their voices are extra powerful. I felt like I was right there next to them.
Ah, what a kick this was. Afterward, even though it was the middle of the night, I had to get up and grab my pogo stick. I could only travel between the four walls of my bedroom, but who cares. I was madly hopping—and sadly realizing that I would NEVER get to sleep.
Here’s what’s happening (though of course I’m vague on purpose so I don’t give any spoilers): Two chatty strangers meet at a hotel. (I picture them at an outdoor café, but it doesn’t matter.) Mrs. Plunkett apparently is the tired caregiver for her mother. The nice man commiserates. Small talk first, then the conversation takes a weird turn. And then it gets weirder and you’re pretty much on the edge of your seat. Three luscious twists in this little 13-minute audio. And be prepared to laugh.
Thanks to Petra for her fun review, her 10 stars, and a little link that takes you to a wonderful place. What a treat for this night owl. Irresistible! (And damn, my last clock check was at 5 a.m.! Boing boing boing….)
Here's the link:
https://youtu.be/hUssziECrXA
If you want to read it too (which I just had to), here's the link:
https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v25/n...
Pogo stick time!
Stop what you’re doing immediately and listen up! You only need 13 minutes; come on, you can spare that! And don’t worry, you can still cut your toenails because all you need are your ears. I know I’m being a pushy bitch, but you just HAVE to hear this! I guarantee you’ll be captivated and transported. It’s Judi Dench, no less, and Alan Bennett himself reading. Oh, their voices! I’m a sucker for British accents anyway, but the two of them are such consummate actors, their voices are extra powerful. I felt like I was right there next to them.
Ah, what a kick this was. Afterward, even though it was the middle of the night, I had to get up and grab my pogo stick. I could only travel between the four walls of my bedroom, but who cares. I was madly hopping—and sadly realizing that I would NEVER get to sleep.
Here’s what’s happening (though of course I’m vague on purpose so I don’t give any spoilers): Two chatty strangers meet at a hotel. (I picture them at an outdoor café, but it doesn’t matter.) Mrs. Plunkett apparently is the tired caregiver for her mother. The nice man commiserates. Small talk first, then the conversation takes a weird turn. And then it gets weirder and you’re pretty much on the edge of your seat. Three luscious twists in this little 13-minute audio. And be prepared to laugh.
Thanks to Petra for her fun review, her 10 stars, and a little link that takes you to a wonderful place. What a treat for this night owl. Irresistible! (And damn, my last clock check was at 5 a.m.! Boing boing boing….)
Here's the link:
https://youtu.be/hUssziECrXA
If you want to read it too (which I just had to), here's the link:
https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v25/n...
February 14, 2020
A companion, a "package", and a delightful denouement. Thoroughly entertaining. The best 13 minutes of my day today!
November 4, 2025
5★
Judi Dench!
Thanks to the recommendations of GR friends, I spent a happy 14 minutes listening to the inimitable Judi Dench as Miss Plunkett in this BBC radio play. The author, Alan Bennett, plays Mr Mortimer, who meets Miss Plunkett in a seaside hotel and asks about the “handsome woman” she accompanies.
Loved it! Do yourself a favour and join the rest of us in our enthusiasm for a great little story well told. Clever, funny, and I’m sure you’ll find it as satisfying as I did. Just click on the link and then click to listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUssz...
Judi Dench!
Thanks to the recommendations of GR friends, I spent a happy 14 minutes listening to the inimitable Judi Dench as Miss Plunkett in this BBC radio play. The author, Alan Bennett, plays Mr Mortimer, who meets Miss Plunkett in a seaside hotel and asks about the “handsome woman” she accompanies.
Loved it! Do yourself a favour and join the rest of us in our enthusiasm for a great little story well told. Clever, funny, and I’m sure you’ll find it as satisfying as I did. Just click on the link and then click to listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUssz...
February 15, 2020
Discovering little gems like this is one of the many reasons why I enjoy Goodreads so much. Thank you Angela M for your review of this short Audible recording and the link you provided. Of course I just had to go there and listen because a play read by Alan Bennett and Judi Dench is something not to be missed.
It was definitely time well spent. Both readers play their parts so beautifully. The dialogue is funny and there is a really smart twist which I did not see coming! Great entertainment in a small package. Loved it.
It was definitely time well spent. Both readers play their parts so beautifully. The dialogue is funny and there is a really smart twist which I did not see coming! Great entertainment in a small package. Loved it.
July 5, 2020
One word: a gem!
Two strangers strike up a conversation that results in a most twisty conclusion. Mr Bennett knows how to surprise a reader!
Two strangers strike up a conversation that results in a most twisty conclusion. Mr Bennett knows how to surprise a reader!
February 21, 2020
Loved it! Thanks Maureen for the link!
February 13, 2020
5 🎧 🎧 🎧 🎧 🎧
Listen to your GR friends as I did, thanks ladies and gentleman, and then listen to this. Delicious.
https://archive.org/details/TwoInTorquay
Listen to your GR friends as I did, thanks ladies and gentleman, and then listen to this. Delicious.
https://archive.org/details/TwoInTorquay
July 5, 2020
A very quick read, amusing and very Alan Bennett. I liked the multiple twists.
March 2, 2020
I was intrigued by my friend Kevin Ansbro’s review and recommendation to read this, and then several of my goodreads friends read or listened to this and loved it, as well. Well worth your time, the audio is superbly shared by Alan Bennett and Dame Judy Dench.
A delightfully entertaining way to spend a few (less than 15) minutes listening to this short play.
A delightfully entertaining way to spend a few (less than 15) minutes listening to this short play.
March 3, 2020
Finally an audio I can admit to love. 13.5 minutes of sheer delight compliments of Judi Dench and Alan Bennett. This has been making the rounds, but my particular thanks goes to Cheri whose review convinced me that now was the time to spare fifteen minutes of my day and listen.
Do it yourself! It will be the best 15 minutes of your day. Guaranteed.
Do it yourself! It will be the best 15 minutes of your day. Guaranteed.
March 30, 2020
Loved this short delightful audio of 14 minutes featuring Arthur Mortimer (audio by Alan Bennett) and Betty Plunkett (played by Judi Dench) conversing at a hotel. Who are they really? Delicious twist. Thanks Petra-X. See her review for the links.
February 21, 2020
A short and sweet delight!
February 16, 2020
Absolutely delightful!
Thank you Debbie, Petra and others for encouraging me to listen to this 15 minute audio play!
https://archive.org/details/TwoInTorquay
Thank you Debbie, Petra and others for encouraging me to listen to this 15 minute audio play!
https://archive.org/details/TwoInTorquay
February 18, 2020
Very enjoyable. Cheeky and unexpected.
You can listen/read it on the links in the description.
You can listen/read it on the links in the description.
August 29, 2020
I looked for this little gem after reading reviews by some of my goodreads friends; there is a link to the production from the Goodreads title blurb. Two Days in Torquay is a cute little BBC Comedy Drama by Alan Bennet starring Bennet and Judi Dench. A dowdy impecunious spinster travels with her wealthy widowed mother where she is chatted up by a man who plants the idea in her head that she could finally have a comfortable life of her own, before it is too late, if she offs her tiresome old mum........super cute and super short - a pleasant diversion from the reality of the day. There are numerous BBC Dramas available on Internet Archive at archive.com
February 13, 2020
Thank you to Debbie Annan for recommending this radio play, available at https://archive.org/details/TwoInTorquay
Just the thing, at 13 minutes, to bring some light into a bleak rainy day surrounded by political doom
Just the thing, at 13 minutes, to bring some light into a bleak rainy day surrounded by political doom
February 28, 2020
Alan Bennett writes & stars (with Judi Dench) in this delightfully amusing one act play.
There are plenty of twists & turns in the plot, which is quite surprising for something that lasts less than 15 minutes. Bennett & Dench give light & assured performances & it's a lovely piece of escapism.
There are plenty of twists & turns in the plot, which is quite surprising for something that lasts less than 15 minutes. Bennett & Dench give light & assured performances & it's a lovely piece of escapism.
February 16, 2020
A delightful 15 minutes. Thanks for the recommendation Kimber and others.
April 1, 2020
Thank you Angela for sharing Two in Torquay by Alan Bennett. Thanks to Debbie and Petra-X for sharing it with Angela.
I appreciate the humour and love the British accent in this short audio.
https://archive.org./details/TwoInTor...
I appreciate the humour and love the British accent in this short audio.
https://archive.org./details/TwoInTor...
February 13, 2020
This clever conversation between two strangers is entertaining and very curious. What you think you are hearing is something very different than what is actually occurring, don't understand? Well, read or listen to the entire story and you will...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews