As we go back to the 1990s, two women visit a library. In the classic Alan Bennett manner of talking, analysing, observing lives that are more than they appear, they lure the audience in with what at first appears to be a nice, friendly middle-class chat. Performed in an actual library and with carefully chosen books on display the atmosphere is one of gentility about to be imploded, as sex is discussed, in the nicest possible way.
The first monologue is ‘Nights in the Gardens of Spain’. Rosemary who is obviously married to a condescending husband is passing by a neighbour’s house, and before she can stop herself, she becomes involved with the neighbour’s life and a murder. As the incident evolves, she questions her own long-term suburban marriage and decides that it is as beige as the cardigan she is wearing.
Fiona Gordon plays Rosemary so convincingly that when she wanders into the library, the audience could be forgiven thinking she was part of their group. Her mild mannered perusal of gardening books, her passion, perfectly establishes a gentle conversation as her she discusses her friendship with her neighbour revealing her own need for independence. As she comes and goes discussing the next stage of the situation, uncomfortable observations of her relationship are revealed.
The second story, ‘Her Big Chance’, follows Travis, an overly optimistic and naive actress who believes through her own skills she has been offered a leading role in an arty German movie. Her genuine belief in her being considered as a professional actress is astoundingly naive when being told at each step to cross another boundary that the audience can see is leading to exploitation. At times, we wanted to stop her or at least warn her as she agrees to each request starting with taking her top off.
Sophie Dillman as Travis, wanders in to the library choosing books about how to get on with people and is absolutely convincing as a silly young woman who is wandering in to saying yes when she should say no. Her acting life hasn’t quite turned out as expected and she is just certain that she will get her next break in a major role but her actions lead to a darker side of movie life. At times we laughed with her observations but at other times, we squirmed when she made foolish decisions.
Each actor delivers aspects of their story and takes turns to return for the next part. A clever direction by Diana Volpe with the actors leaving and returning means the audience guesses at the turn of events. Accompanied by the gentle and beautiful music at intervals by Michael Atherton, the audience almost walked in the shoes of both characters. As Travis states,”Acting is really just giving”.
To book tickets to Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads, please visit https://sydneyfringe.com/events/alan-bennetts-talking-heads/.
