I’m always impressed with a
successfully performed monolog and Alex Jennings, as Alan Bennett, in Untold
Stories (2 plays) does not disappoint.
The first play, Hymn, lasts for only
half an hour but that felt long enough for me. Here the account of his father’s
failure to teach him to play the violin is recounted in prose- poetry,
beautifully accompanied by Southbank Sinfonia. Though the delivery of his
monolog was on point, I wouldn’t want to sit through an hour of the story being
re-countered this way so the length of the piece feels about right.
The second play, Cocktail Sticks, is witty,
moving and thoroughly enjoyable. It opens with Bennett (Jennings) questioning
why he had such an ordinary upbringing.
We’re introduced to his parents, with specific focus on his mother (played
by Gabrielle Lloyd). She plays the role well; her fascination of cocktails and
sandwiches with the crusts off that she reads of in her monthly magazine
juxtaposed with her battle against dementia endears the audience to her.
Although he is a well-known
playwright, screenwriter, author and actor the play is a wonderful
introduction for those unfamiliar with Alan Bennett.
Untold Stories is currently showing @ Duchess Theatre
