Alan Bennett’s ‘Talking Heads’ comes to the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton this autumn

Performed by two accomplished actors, these short plays are both funny and heartbreaking, offering a look into the lives of ordinary people whose lives are anything but.

Talking Heads was first broadcast on the BBC in 1988 and was a groundbreaking series, well-loved for its simplicity, honest characters, and relatable stories. The monologues have become a modern classic, enjoyed by many on the stage, studied, and revived by the BBC in 2020.

Irene Ruddock in ‘A Lady of Letters’, fills her lonely days by writing letters of complaint, only to discover that as her interference escalates, she experiences some unexpected consequences.

 In ‘Soldiering On’, Muriel Carpenter has just become a widow and quietly unravels as her family and finances slip away. Both plays are humorous with moments of heartbreak, still resonating as powerfully today as they did when first performed almost 40 years ago.

“We are looking forward to bringing Alan Bennett’s characters to life and share their stories to more people across the country,” says Rosemary Hill, Artistic Director at The Play’s The Thing Theatre Company. 

“Even 40 years on, their stories of struggles, loneliness, resilience, and need for connection, still resonate to many today.” 

“The stories are funny, but also poignant, which will hopefully give our audiences some food for thought following the performance.”

The eight-venue tour will bring these unforgettable voices to theatres and arts centres across the country, inviting both long-time fans of Alan Bennett and new audiences to experience the intimacy and power of live performance.

For further information visit https://playsthethingtheatrecompany.co.uk/productions/talking-heads-5