Alan Bennett makes Talking Heads look so easy. All you need is an interesting character, a brilliant actor to play the part and an hour slips past effortlessly. Well, lots of good writers try and lots fail. The narrative needs to be original and compelling. Furthermore, the unwinding of the episodes which plot the story has to do more than keep our attention, it has to build to an unanticipated climax and remain entirely credible. Not an easy task.
Bickley, however, succeeds impressively with this narration of a gradually disintegrating marital relationship. It will spoil your enjoyment to give much more away. Suffice it to say that the explicit sexual subject matter is powerfully experienced through the monologue. It takes wonderful acting and Louise Templeton was thoroughly watchable throughout her amazing performance. In the intimate setting of the Jam Factory Boiler Room, you can't fake tears. Louise didn't need to. Her emotional range was quite stunning and very moving. Watching her is as near as vicarious experience can get, before it is too painful to bear.
Fortunately Bickley seasons his play with well-observed amusing human responses, so the piece stays entertaining, despite addressing very serious subject matter concerning the closest we ever get to each other. Don't go to see this play if you like to sit back and let a play wash over you, but if you like to be challenged, informed and provoked into looking at some of your own inhibitions and prejudices through another lens - don't miss it. Definitely for consenting adults!
Bickley, however, succeeds impressively with this narration of a gradually disintegrating marital relationship. It will spoil your enjoyment to give much more away. Suffice it to say that the explicit sexual subject matter is powerfully experienced through the monologue. It takes wonderful acting and Louise Templeton was thoroughly watchable throughout her amazing performance. In the intimate setting of the Jam Factory Boiler Room, you can't fake tears. Louise didn't need to. Her emotional range was quite stunning and very moving. Watching her is as near as vicarious experience can get, before it is too painful to bear.
Fortunately Bickley seasons his play with well-observed amusing human responses, so the piece stays entertaining, despite addressing very serious subject matter concerning the closest we ever get to each other. Don't go to see this play if you like to sit back and let a play wash over you, but if you like to be challenged, informed and provoked into looking at some of your own inhibitions and prejudices through another lens - don't miss it. Definitely for consenting adults!