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
I was only a child when Talking Heads first aired but I'd heard many good things about them in the intervening years.

I was browsing Audible looking for something to spend my credit on when I happened across this compete collection and didn't hesitate to download it. And boy am I glad I did! There are stories with neat twists, stories that are dark and troubling and other still that so deeply intimate and delicately crafted that I was brought to tears; not something I'm used to as a bloke in his late 30's!

If you have any appreciation of good drama and exceptional story telling you owe it to yourself to pick up this collection. You won't be disappointed!

Absolutely fantastic stuff

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Outstanding set of short stories! Will make you both laugh and cry. Incredibly moving! Could not recommend this book enough.

Throughly enjoyed these stories!

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Love the monologues, both series. Wonderful actors who are some of the cream of the British stage and screen. Never tire of the remarkable Patricia Routledge.
Alan Bennett at his best

Stunning performances

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So clever, such a master of observation is Alan Bennett, you are completely drawn in from the off.
I am frequently regretting that I have listened to them all and cannot ever be as besotted as I was the first time I heard these tales. A bit like falling in love!

There is nothing quite like it!

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Compelling, funny, touching, chilling. Alan Bennett understands folk in a way that may not be remembered in 20 years. A must listen.

Unparalleled

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