New Forest Players put on a superb trio of Alan Bennett Talking Heads at New Milton’s Forest Arts

NEW Forest Players put on a superb trio of Alan Bennett Talking Heads monologues which worked really well on the simple Forest Arts theatre stage.

In an inspired directorial effect, scenes of the first two monologues were ‘played’ alternatively, each ‘story’ swapping from one side of the stage to the other by simply illuminating each area in turn.

In A Lady of Letters Lotte Fletcher-Jonk was splendid as Miss Irene Ruddock, a lonely spinster who, finding fault with everything and everyone, vents her criticisms in letters endlessly bombarding various authorities. Her ever-increasing tirades, despite warnings, eventually lead her to find companionship and solace in an institution – possibly a prison?

Running alongside was A Cream Cracker under the Settee. Wendy Beaumont was terrific as the somewhat bewildered Doris who rebels against instructions and, while cleaning up after her ineffective cleaner, suffers a fall and is stranded on the floor, alone and injured. Her plaintive groans and sighs plucked at our heartstrings, longing for her rescue – why didn’t she call out the policeman when he knocked at the door?

Next was Her Big Chance with Rachel Mackay brilliant as aspiring actress Lesley, eagerly looking forward to her new role, this time in a leading part, naively unaware of what type of film was being made. Gradually her part is whittled down as rehearsals proceed and she is persuaded to discard more clothes, completely unaware of being exploited by all and sundry – although the audience was way ahead of her.

Each of these playlets featured lonely people, often found in Alan Bennett’s melancholic works, with excellent scripts clearly delivered by the skilled performers. This excellent production was directed by Janet Courtice, immersing the audience into each story – a most enjoyable evening.

Alison Smith