Talking Heads at Limelight

Limelight Theatre (WA) will stage three monologues from Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads (The History Boys and The Madness of King George) this April.

Originally written by for BBC-TV in 1988, Talking Heads has been described as a classic of contemporary drama, hailed for its combination of razor-sharp wit and deeply felt humanity.

The Limelight Theatre production features three monologues:

Bed Among the Lentils, where a vicar's wife discovers some semblance of happiness with an Indian shop owner.

A Chip in the Sugar, focusing on a man's life that begins to unravel when he discovers his aging mother has rekindled an old flame.

Her Big Chance, exploring what happens when a young, naive actress gains a part in a German film – which is not quite what she thought.

Gwen Browning chose to direct Talking Heads because of Bennett’s perceptive view of the ordinary human being.

“These monologues are funny and sardonic, tragic and painful,” she said. “We laugh at the situations presented and then feel a twinge of guilt.

“It is unusual rehearsing with only one person at a time and, as you can imagine, it’s very intensive and exhausting for the actor.”

Involved with Limelight Theatre since 1983, Browning has previously directed Hotel Sorrento, Whose Life Is It Anyway? and Lifex3.

She has also scored four Limelight Theatre best actress awards between 1992 and 2006 and a similar accolade at the State Drama Festival in 1995.

Talking Heads has presented a few challenges for Browning, including the stage setting.

“We need to be able to suggest several different playing areas for each set and adapt the stage for three different performances,” she said.

Season: April 12 – 28, 2012. Tickets: $19 adults, $16 concession.

Bookings: 9467 9545 between 9am and midday, Monday to Friday, or online at www.limelighttheatre.com.

Limelight Theatre is located on Civic Drive, Wanneroo.

Image: Susannah Devenish, David Nelson and Sue Mainwaring, appearing in Talking Heads.