Talking Heads, The Old Rep Birmingham Review
Written by Katie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
The Old Rep’s latest production of Talking Heads brought two of Alan Bennett’s renowned monologues to the stage: A Chip in the Sugar and Bed Among the Lentils. Originally a BBC series that aired late on Thursday nights, all you need is one quick Google to find that these monologues have been performed by some of the biggest names in British Television. At The Old Rep, however, these two monologues were delivered by Elliot Archer and Michelle Smith, under the direction of Andrew Crocker and Maura Judges, respectively.
Monologues are a unique art form. They can be much like marmite, with audiences either loving or hating them. And there is a nervousness going into something like this, particularly when it is an amateur production, which could really go either way. That being said, these performers certainly did justice to the texts they were given, whether you are a fan or not.
Bennett's Monologues appeal to those who appreciate the nuance of everyday conversation and the humour found in the ordinary. His writing feels like the kind of gossip you’d share with your nan, a rich, anecdotal storytelling experience that resonates with the small yet significant moments of life.
A Chip in the Sugar
In this monologue, we follow Graham Whittaker (Elliot Archer), a middle-aged man struggling with mental illness, as he watches his mother, Vera, fall for old flame Frank Turnbil; an overbearing, old-school alpha male. Graham, feeling displaced, battles with the realization that he is no longer the centre of his mother’s world.
Elliot Archer performs easily. His ability to transition between characters, embodying their distinct mannerisms and voices, drew the audience into the story with warmth and authenticity. His portrayal of Graham’s vulnerability made his emotional turmoil palpable, particularly as Frank asserts his dominance with outdated, insensitive opinions- dismissing mental illness as something that can be cured with ‘hard physical work’ and making openly racist remarks.
The monologue’s themes, despite being written and set in the 1980s, remain strikingly relevant today.
A bed Among The Lentils
The second monologue, delivered by Michelle Smith, takes a slightly darker yet comedic turn. Susan, the disillusioned wife of village vicar Geoffrey, is exhausted by the role of the dutiful Christian spouse. Her opening line, “Geoffrey's bad enough, but I’m glad I’m not married to Jesus”, sets the tone for a refreshingly candid monologue about her struggles with faith, marriage, and addiction.
Smith took a moment to fully settle into the role, with a couple of minor word fumbles early on, but once she found her rhythm, her performance was thoroughly engaging. She embodied Susan’s sharp wit and dry humor with impeccable comedic timing, drawing chuckles from the audience throughout.
This production of Talking Heads was a testament to Bennett’s timeless writing and the power of storytelling. Elliot Archer and Michelle Smith brought these complex characters to life with skill and nuance, making for an evening of sharp humor, poignant themes, and engrossing performances. While monologues may not be to everyone’s taste, for those who enjoy character driven narratives steeped in realism, this was a compelling and rewarding experience at The Old REP.
This is the first ever production by the Crescent Theatre company at The Old Rep Theatre.
