Talking Heads

[lotusbell]

Anyone remember the original and will you be watching the new one? I studied it at A Level and still have my copy with all my notes in.

[southeastdweller]

Yes and yes! Sarah Lancashire is one of my favourite actresses so I’m really looking forward to her new monologue tonight. Alan Bennett can do no wrong in my eyes!

[Escapinginthecar]

In the middle of Martin Freeman one, love it it's making me laugh he acts so well.
What a treat these are!

[southeastdweller]

Oh I didn't know they're on already! Going to watch the SL one now.

[Escapinginthecar]

It's unusual!

[Saucery]

I don’t think I will tbh. The originals are the best, no matter how good the actors are for the reboots. Maybe I’m being too much of a traditionalist!

[southeastdweller]

There's two new monologues Saucery.

[winningwhilstlosing]

Loving these! Read them recently and have been able to watch some of the originals. All brilliant so far.

[Marsalimay]

A right treat, these.

(It strikes me how I never really write in my accent).

[HUCKMUCK]

I love the originals. I have them on audio book and often listen to the when I can't sleep. I reckon I could recite fair chunks of them if i tried.

I hadn't realised the new ones were starting so soon - hoping I will love them almost as much as the originals.

[Patsypie]

The casting is great but I really don't see the point. Surely he could have written a few more new ones?

[mommybear1]

Can't wait to watch these also studied them for A Levels . Love his work and I'm looking forward to seeing the updates, I've tried to explain them to DH to persuade him to watch them so far no dice .

[Supersimkin2]

Imelda's a legend. Captures the sour tragedy of Miss Ruddock in a way that makes me wince when I think of a couple of new retirees I know.

[Raahh]

I love this . I can hear the original, even as she speaks.

The first series was on just before I started my GCSEs. (1988)

[southeastdweller]

The Sarah Lancashire one was very unsettling. Brilliantly acted by her but disturbing.

[IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere]

I didn't see the originals but I love Imelda Staunton and Lesley Manville. I'm enjoying Lady of Letters.

[Carer589]

Absolutely loved the originals of these. Didn't realise there were two new ones. Will definitely be watching.

[Marsalimay]

The Sarah Lancashire one was very unsettling. Brilliantly acted by her but disturbing.

You're not kidding there!

[Clawdy]

I couldn't watch the Sarah Lancashire one to the end, I found it incredibly disturbing and distasteful. Also too long. A real disappointment.

[MPForFlydaleNorth]

Had to turn off the Sarah Lancashire one - it made me feel ill

[CaptainMyCaptain]

It was certainly disturbing. I wonder if there was anything in particular that inspired it.

[Yoyomar]

I agree with those saying the Sarah Lancashire one was disturbing. As the parent of a teenage boy I was just glad I'd sent him out the room when they mentioned disturbing scenes at the beginning

[YaWeeSkitter]

I thought it was me taking it too personally. I was very wary of watching to the end although it wasnt too bad really. Just a bit weird .
Given the wealth of subject matter Alan Bennett writes about why did this have to be the one that made it to the much loved talking heads series.

[Lockdownlooks]

Glad I’m not the only one that found that disturbing. I don’t remember how the originals were staged, only heard on radio, - did they have sets or was it just someone sitting in a chair?

[southeastdweller]

There were sets in the TV show.

[SchadenfreudePersonified]

I've watched the first two - Imelda Staunton took what had been Patricia Routledge's role in "A lady of Letters".

I love Imelda - but it wasn't the same. I preferred the original.

I can't remember "an Ordinary Woman" at all from the originals, and TBH I thought it was very unpleasant (not a criticism Sarah Lancashire - she's excellent - I just didn't like the subject at all). Can anyone tell me who took this part first time round? It might jog my memory. Next is "Soldiering on" with Harriet Walter - I like her overmuch, but I enjoyed Stephanie Cole in this part, so I'll have to wait and see,