The Complete Talking Heads cover art

The Complete Talking Heads

The Classic BBC Radio 4 Monologues Plus A Woman of No Importance

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The Complete Talking Heads

By: Alan Bennett
Narrated by: Alan Bennett, Patricia Routledge
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About this listen

The complete audio collection of Alan Bennett's celebrated monologues, published together for the first time and performed by some of Britain's best actors.

The Talking Heads monologues are widely regarded as one of Alan Bennett's finest dramatic achievements. First broadcast on BBC TV and BBC Radio 4 in the 1980s and 1990s, they won a host of awards and huge popular acclaim and remain among his most admired works today.

This collection includes all twelve Talking Heads, plus the precursor of that series, 'A Woman of No Importance'.

Beautifully crafted and full of compassion and wry observation, each tale is ripe with the quirky, insightful detail that has become Bennett's trademark. The monologues are: 'A Woman of No Importance' (Patricia Routledge); 'A Chip in the Sugar' (Alan Bennett); 'A Lady of Letters' (Patricia Routledge); 'Bed Among the Lentils' (Anna Massey); 'Soldiering On' (Stephanie Cole); 'Her Big Chance' (Julie Walters); 'A Cream Cracker Under the Settee' (ThoraHird); 'Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet' (Patricia Routledge); 'The Hand of God' (Eileen Atkins); 'Playing Sandwiches' (David Haig); 'The Outside Dog' (Julie Walters); 'Nights in the Gardens of Spain' (Penelope Wilton) and 'Waiting for the Telegram' (Thora Hird).

Intensely moving, deeply engrossing and highly entertaining, these spellbinding soliloquies are essential listening.

©2015 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2015 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
Entertainment & Performing Arts Funny Emotionally Gripping Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty

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All stars
Most relevant
Fantastic writing read so well, so much of the story is in what is not said but it's easy to read between the lines. Don't listen when you are feeling down though as it may finish you off!

Bleak but brilliant!

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A great collection of funny , insightful and touching stories. As only Alan Bennett can do !

Hours of entertainment !

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What made the experience of listening to The Complete Talking Heads the most enjoyable?

I loved the different readers and the stories were very engaging. I was inspired to listen to these monologues after seeing the Alan Bennett film ' lady in the van'

Who was your favorite character and why?

Margaret in the 'Woman of no importance '

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

I enjoyed others but this was my favourite

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

Will listen to more Alan Bennett plays

loved these stories

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Perfection. Touches the heart. Alan Bennett has deep understanding of suffering. This, tinged with humour is thought provoking and illuminating.

Wonderful experience.

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Easy to listen to...gripping...Love each story and the way they are narrated! Would highly recommend this book

Brilliant author and brilliant performance

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