Talking Heads by Alan Bennett

Auditions - Friday 30 May, 7pm and Sunday 1 June, 6pm

The plays are:

A Chip in the Sugar, A Cracker Under the Settee, Her Big Chance and Lady of Letters

A Lady of Letters:

Irene Ruddock is a single, middle-aged woman and is not afraid to speak, or rather write, her mind.  As she peers out her front window, she observes the lives of those living around her. In an attempt to have her say and create change, she frequently writes to her MP, the police, the chemist – everyone she can about those whose behaviour she deems unacceptable. As the accusations become increasingly serious and damaging, she unleashes a spiralling series of actions which have life changing results.

A powerful monologue full of intrigue and black humour.

Female Age: 30-55

Her Big Chance:

Lesley prides herself on her professionalism as an actor. A woman with a keen sense of her own worth, she takes every role, no matter how small. As she gives us a rundown of her CV the impression is that her big break is only a phone call away. After a series of unpromising bit parts, she is thrilled to land the role of Travis, a small part in a very low-budget film deemed for a West German market only. It soon becomes clear things to us that things are not as they seem!

A great comic monologue full of subtext, exploring the darker side of a narrative whilst smiling!

Female Age: 18-30

A Cream Cracker Under the Settee

Doris, a widow, lives alone. Refusing to relinquish her independence, and untrusting of those who seek to help, she surreptitiously cleans when her home help, Zulema, is absent. Whilst attempting to dust a picture frame high on the wall Doris falls and is left on the floor, reflecting on her quiet, uneventful life with its joys and sadnesses. The day goes on and Doris resists help from those who pass by outside. Can she survive on a cream cracker found under the settee?

Full of joy and pathos, most of the monologue must take place sitting on the floor

Female Age 60+

A Chip in the Sugar

Mild, middle-aged Graham Whittaker finds life becoming complicated as his mother, with whom he still lives, reunites with an old flame named Frank Turnbull. Graham becomes increasingly jealous when Mr Turnbull takes an ever-growing hold on Mam, especially when Frank proposes marriage while simultaneously suggesting Graham moves out of the house to a hostel. But Mr Turnbull is hiding a secret. When Graham finds out will he confront his mother to secure his own future, destroying her hopes of happiness in the process?

Male: 30-45