R2OK!

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6851

Tonight at 9 on BBC 1

So looking forward to this.

I said on the Dame Vera tribute thread about her being a National Treasure.

Alan Bennett for my money, is another one.

I love his work.

What a brilliant idea, to remake for these singular times Alan Bennett’s magnificent landmark monologues about men and women trapped in pockets of profound loneliness. It works beautifully.

In the funny, sad A Lady of Letters, the first of tonight’s double bill, Imelda Staunton is spellbinding as pompous Irene (originally played by Patricia Routledge). Irene likes things to be done properly; when they are not, she writes letters of complaint to everyone from funeral directors to the Queen.

But there are hints of darker obsessions when she becomes preoccupied with the young family across the street.

In a new story, An Ordinary Woman, Sarah Lancashire is heartbreaking as Gwen, a housewife and mum of two who becomes imprisoned by a dangerous passion. Like A Lady of Letters it’s an incredibly subtle story of a life unravelling in the most quiet, destructive way.

Episode three is on Thursday, and the entire series is available on BBC iPlayer.
https://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/mfbrnq/alan-bennetts-talking-heads--s1-e1-a-lady-of-letters/

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19379 Location: Cheshire

The only one of the originals I can remember is one with Thora Hird, or am I getting it mixed up with something else?

H
_________________
88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6851

Here's a list of the original people,Helen. It might jog your memory.

https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2020-06-22/watch-original-talking-heads-alan-bennett-monologue-cast/

(You're right about Thora Hird)

The first one tonight was originally done by the wonderful Patricia Routledge - I can still see her performance in my mind's eye. Looking forward to seeing what Imelda Staunton does with it.

Ian Robinson · Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 12:04 pm Post subject:

The two Thira Hird monologues aren't being remade as they were written specially for her and she won her BAFTAs for them. Which means we get two new pieces! Should be good.

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6851

Pity they didn't think to tag on the two episodes by Thora Hird, unless of course they couldn't.

She didn't get Baftas for them for nothing. Excellent TV.

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19379 Location: Cheshire

I read in the current Radio Times Feedback page that the reason the Thora Hird ones weren't was because there was/is a temporary ban on over 70s........... Unbelievable isn't it!

Now I wonder if any readers will challenge that? I was incensed when I read it but not sure who on earth to direct my complaint to.

H
_________________
88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

Ian Robinson · Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2020 12:04 am Post subject:

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19379 Location: Cheshire

I thought that too Ian.

H
_________________
88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005