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Alan And Thora

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Alan And Thora

By: Alan Bennett
Narrated by: Alan Bennett, Thora Hird
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About this listen

 Until the time of her death in 2003, much-loved actress Thora Hird worked regularly with the playwright Alan Bennett. Now, in a specially written introduction and postscript, Bennett recalls his work and friendship with Thora, and introduces three examples of their collaboration. In The Last of the Sun, Dolly's remaining days in an old people's home are enlivened by a seemingly respectable man. Recorded in 2002, Thora Hird's last ever performance, in a part written especially for her, is moving and memorable. In A Cream Cracker Under the Settee, Doris has taken a fall at home, and until someone comes to rescue her she's left immobile and in reflective mood. This monologue features one of Thora's best-remembered performances. Waiting for the Telegram sees Violet remembering how she lost her first young man - but she does not see how close she is to losing her second. This heartbreaking piece won Thora Hird huge critical acclaim, and showcases her acting genius.© and (P)2004 BBC Audiobooks Ltd Entertainment & Performing Arts Social Sciences

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All stars
Most relevant

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes it is a large bit of recent history

Who was your favorite character and why?

Thora was a treat to hear her voice

Which character – as performed by Alan Bennett and Thora Hird – was your favourite?

Thora

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both

Any additional comments?

A true insight to a cleverly impish true lady

lovely memiors of a truly loved lady.

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Loved listening to the northern way of speaking. These are the words my parents and their generation used. I could listen to Thora’s voice all day long. Alan’s script and introduction complete the story.

Nostalgic narrative

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What made the experience of listening to Alan & Thora the most enjoyable?

The story lines, the way Alan Bennett gently explores characters and hints at their lives and the way the character's monologues are so beautifully acted by Thora Hird

What did you like best about this story?

Waiting for the telegram is one of the most poignant and beautifully written exploration of ageing and life I have heard . I am playing it to all my nursing students as it encapsulates many themes around caring for older people and how people see them is not necessarily who they are and have been

Have you listened to any of Alan Bennett and Thora Hird ’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I have only listened to one previous recording with Thora Hird which was fab - a cracker under the settee. This is better as there is more of Thora

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

In waiting for the telegram the character's remembering her first love

Any additional comments?

I have listened to this time and again, something I rarely do

A lovely , thought provoking listen

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I adore her down to earth attitude and humour. They complement one another perfectly. Funny and touching.

Touching portrayal of a working relationship

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you like Alan Bennett and Loved Thora Hird this is a really nice listen.

What other book might you compare Alan & Thora to, and why?

Any other Alan Bennett book to be honest his style of writing is very inspirational

What does Alan Bennett and Thora Hird bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I've always found Thora Hird to be like a relative, a nice Auntie someone who listens, and her and Alan Bennett had an amazing collaboration, two people who worked together perfectly.
A wonderful closing chapter to Thora Hirds career and life on the stage.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No I listened in 2 sittings but I will listen again at some point

Wonderful Alan and Thora at their best

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