By
Alan Bennett
25
- 27 November 1999
Hexagon
Theatre, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
 |
Lady
of Letters, made famous by Patricia Routledge, is a poignant
yet funny tale of loneliness, whilst Her Big Chance presents
Lesley - a naïve actress intent on making the big time (performed
on TV by Julie Walters). |
These masterly pieces display the unique wry observations, knowing
irony and tender understatement that has put Alan Bennett at the
forefront of contemporary writing. The performances of the two actresses
involved tell gripping stories where what is not said says as much
as the most intimate revelation - whether warm or tragic.
Both
performers were Absolute Banana veterans and local talent. The Lady
of Letters was Margaret Griffiths, fresh from Dangerous Games, having
previously studied at the Birmingham Theatre School and performed
in Shirley Valentine and The Crucible. Lesley (Her Big Chance) was
played by Jo Larkin, a Birmingham University graduate who received
critical acclaim ("Excellent...a true tart with a heart" - The List)
for her portrayal of Leah in Absolute Banana's version of Jonathan
Harvey's Beautiful Thing.
Director:
Dan Hyde
Producer:
Peter Monks
Cast:
Margaret Griffiths, Joanne Larkin
