Creation Theatre Company are staging an immersive production of two of Alan Bennett's Talking Heads. William Gadsby Peet discusses Bennett's timeless appeal in a quick-fire Q&A
- Creation Theatre Company is part of the Guildford Amateur Theatre Association, what’s the amdram scene in Guildford like?
Lively, vibrant, welcoming – lots of talent and lots of opportunities
- What do you think makes the work of Alan Bennett so timeless?
A masterful observation of humanity, an understanding of character – people’s frailty – and of course, beautifully written – witty yet poignant – themes that are still relevant today, despite first being presented on television in 1988.
- Why did you choose Her Big Chance and A Lady of Letters?
Her Big Chance – Lesley is an ambitious but gullible and naive actress whose her story can be viewed in relation to the current #MeToo movement.
A Lady of Letters – Irene Ruddock is an obsessive letter writer without friends or anything to do who believes she is a public guardian of morals but can be seen as really just nosing into others' business and drawing inaccurate conclusions, with hints of child neglect and racialism prejudices.
- What will Jackie Morris and Jules Hall bring to Bennett’s work?
An exploration of the different facets of the characters of Lesley and Irene. The monologues will be presented with surround seating – Jackie and Jules will engage with the audience in an intimate space much more directly than if they were in a standard theatre layout.
- What do you hope audiences will take away from this performance?
A poignant representation of two persons who, for all their belief in what they can offer, do not realise the impact they have on other people or how they can be misunderstood – and who are at root lonely.
The Creation Theatre Company perform Her Big Chance and A Lady of Letters at the Clandon Wood Natural Burial Ground on July 5-6. For more information and to book tickets, visit: guildfordfringefestival.com
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