Talking Heads at the Theatre Royal Brighton Review
Talking Heads
Theatre Royal, Brighton
11-15 August 2015
Reviewed by Laura Wragg
Not even the unseasonably wet weather could dampen our enthusiasm for the latest production of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads as we made a long overdue return to Brighton’s wonderful Theatre Royal on Tuesday evening.
We arrived at the theatre in plenty of time and enjoyed a drink in the foyer as the audience continued to arrive. It’s always a nice place to spend time as you get such a sense of history at this venue.
We took our seats in what turned out to be a full house for the first of three monologues, “Lady of Letters”. Siobhan Redmond excels in this darkly comic role and, as we learn more about her, the audience witnesses her descend further into the darkest corners of her lonely mind, whilst all the time writing letters of complaint. Time and again I found myself willing her to change her ways but to no avail. What an opening performance!
After a short interval, it was time for “A Chip in the Sugar” in which Karl Theobald plays Graham, a middle aged man that lives with his mother. This was the character that Alan Bennett himself played originally and Karl’s performance as an introvert with a history of mental health problems was outstanding. As uncomfortable at times as it was funny, he got the biggest laugh of the night with his unique method of putting on pyjamas!
The third monologue starred Stephanie Cole in “A Cream Cracker Under the Settee”. Here we follow Doris who, having had a fall at home, is reflecting on her life whilst gradually losing hope of receiving the help she needs. It’s perhaps the saddest of the three but certainly no worse for it. Miss Cole gives a consummate performance and it is the perfect end to the play.
Talking Heads must be a real test for an actor on stage and I’m delighted to say that all three gave standout performances.
Our experience was made all the better by the fantastic theatre staff who seem to genuinely enjoy their work and couldn’t be more attentive. We will certainly not be leaving it as long this time before returning.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £11.90 to £37.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Talking Heads is at the Theatre Royal in Brighton until 15 August 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7650.
Theatre Royal. New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1SD | 0844 871 7650
