Here’s everything you need to know about the new series of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads, plus where to watch them.
Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads – The Quick Overview
Talking Heads is a series of 12 monologues written by Alan Bennett. The series of monologues returns to the BBC with an all-star cast, aired throughout June and early July. All episodes are also available on the BBC iPlayer.
Dates available: Ongoing
Suitable for: KS4 & KS5 (though dependent on the monologue)
Subject links: Drama & English
About Talking Heads
Talking Heads is Alan Bennett’s critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning series of monologues first aired in 1988 and 1998.
Ten of the original pieces have been re-made with the addition of two new ones written by Alan Bennett last year. They have been produced by Nicholas Hytner for London Theatre Company and Kevin Loader.
Nicholas Hytner, Bennett’s long-term collaborator and Lead Director and Producer, says ‘Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads are among the masterworks of one of the very greatest writers in TV, film and theatre history.’
The series of monologues are directed by some of the most prominent directors in UK theatre: Marianne Elliott, Nicholas Hytner, Sarah Frankcom, Josie Rourke, Jeremy Herrin and Nadia Fall. The series features top names including Jodie Cromer, Imelda Stauton and Martin Freeman.
Hytner also remarks on the ‘profound and fascinating experience to work out a way of making them again.’
The series was recorded in the BBC’s Elstree Studios on the now dormant sets of Eastenders. The team used innovative and creative camera techniques to film the series during the lockdown in a socially distanced way.
Read more about Talking Heads on the Bridge Theatre’s website.
See more about Talking Heads series on the BBC website.
Overview of the Talking Heads Monologues
A Lady of Letters
Irene Ruddock dashes off letters with her trusty fountain pen, complaining about the failures of others. But when the police come by, it’s Irene who is in trouble.
A Lady of Letters (1988) stars Imelda Staunton and is directed by Jonathan Kent.
This episode is available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.
An Ordinary Woman
Michael is only 15, but you wouldn’t know. Gwen thought there would be something that gave you immunity, that you couldn’t fall for your own child.
An Ordinary Woman was newly written by Bennett in 2019. The monologue stars Sarah Lancashire and is directed by Nicholas Hytner.
This episode is available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.
Soldiering On
Muriel’s son Giles appears with papers for her to sign. It turns out she is quite a rich widow. But soon there’s a liquidity problem, and Giles could be to blame.
Soldiering On (1988) stars Harriet Walter and is directed by Marianne Elliott.
This episode is available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.
Her Big Chance
Actor Lesley prides herself on her professionalism, even if it’s for a walk-on role. She is thrilled to land the role of Travis, who spends the film bikini-clad on a yacht.
Her Big Chance (1988) stars Jodie Cromer and is directed by Josie Rourke.
This episode is available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.
Playing Sandwiches
Wilfred is a parks attendant. After he befriends a young girl, it becomes clear why nobody can trace his records.
Playing Sandwiches (1998) stars Lucian Msamati and is directed by Jeremy Herrin.
This episode is available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.
A Chip in the Sugar
Graham is his mam’s number one. But when they bump into semi-retired Mr Turnbull, Graham discovers she had a life pre-Dad and fully intends to have another.
A Chip in the Sugar (1988) stars Martin Freeman and is directed by Jeremy Herrin.
This episode is available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.
The Outside Dog
Marjory hates husband Stuart’s dog, Tina. He takes her out late, comes in at midnight, clothes in the wash, naked to bed and then starts carrying on. Then the police arrive.
The Outside Dog (1998) stars Rochenda Sandall and is directed by Nadia Fall.
This episode is available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.
Bed Among the Lentils
Susan is not cut out to be the vicar’s wife. When she meets Mr. Ramesh in his shop, she discovers what else life can offer.
Bed Among the Lentils (1988) stars Lesley Manville and is directed by Nicholas Hytner.
This episode is available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.
Nights in the Garden of Spain
Rosemary recalls the morning she was accosted by Mrs McCorquodale, who had shot her husband. A friendship began, until Rosemary had to look again at her own marriage.
Nights in the Garden of Spain (1998) stars Tamsin Greig and is directed by Marianne Elliott.
This episode is available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.
The Hand of God
Celia runs an antiques shop. But after she buys a lovely old frame containing the smudgy drawing of a finger, she discovers she’s less of an expert than she thought.
The Hand of God (1998) stars Kristen Scott Thomas and is directed by Jonathan Kent.
This episode is available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.
Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet
Miss Fozzard has a new chiropodist, Mr. Dunderdale, though technically he’s retired. Their weekly appointments soon raise the tricky question of who’s treating whom?
Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet (1998) stars Maxine Peake and is directed by Sarah Frankcom.
This episode is available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.
The Shrine
Lorna visits the spot where Clifford’s motorbike crashed.
The Shrine is the second of the two newly written pieces by Bennett in 2019. The monologue stars Monica Dolan and is directed by Nicholas Hytner.
This episode is available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.
How to watch Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads
You can watch all of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads online on the BBC iPlayer.
Read more about Talking Heads on the Bridge Theatre’s website.
See more about Talking Heads series on the BBC website.
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