Two Besides: A Pair of Talking Heads

Two Besides: A Pair of Talking Heads

22,75 $

Alan Bennett returns with **Two Besides: A Pair of Talking Heads**, a poignant and bitingly funny addition to his acclaimed monologue series. Published by Faber & Faber, this compact hardcover edition features two brand-new pieces, “An Ordinary Woman” and “The Shrine,” exploring themes of grief, unexpected desire, and the quiet dramas unfolding behind seemingly ordinary lives. Beyond the scripts themselves, this edition offers a unique glimpse into the creative process. Nicholas Hytner, director of the BBC adaptations starring Sarah Lancashire and Monica Dolan, provides a fascinating preface, while Bennett himself introduces each monologue with insightful commentary. Discover the inspiration behind these compelling characters and the subtle nuances that make Bennett’s writing so captivating. “An Ordinary Woman” unravels the devastating consequences of forbidden desires, exploring a mother’s struggle with unsettling feelings and the impact on her family. “The Shrine” unveils a story of love, loss, and unexpected secrets, witnessed through the eyes of Lorna, a woman grappling with the aftermath of her biker partner’s death and the revelations at his roadside memorial. Originally filmed during the 2020 lockdown, these *Talking Heads* are a testament to Bennett’s enduring talent and the power of storytelling. Perfect for fans of British drama, character-driven narratives, and Bennett’s signature wit, *Two Besides* offers a darkly humorous and deeply moving exploration of the human condition.

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Description

***Available for pre-order now***

The gorgeous, pocket-sized edition of the two brand-new Talking Heads

***As seen on BBC1 and iPlayer***

‘Given the opportunity to revisit the characters from Talking Heads I’ve added a couple more, both of them ordinary women whom life takes by surprise. They just about end up on top and go on, but without quite knowing how. Still, they’re in good company, and at least they’ve made it into print.’

Alan Bennett’s twelve Talking Heads are acknowledged masterworks by one of our most highly acclaimed writers. Some thirty years after the original six, Bennett has written Two Besides, a pair of monologues. Each, in its way, is a devastating portrait of grief. In An Ordinary Woman, a mother suffers the inevitable consequences when she makes life intolerable for herself and her family by falling for her own flesh and blood; while The Shrine tells the story behind a makeshift roadside shrine, introducing us to Lorna, bearing witness in her high-vis jacket, the bereft partner of a dedicated biker with a surprising private life.

The two new Talking Heads were recorded for the BBC during the exceptional circumstances of coronavirus lockdown in the spring of 2020, directed by Nicholas Hytner and performed by Sarah Lancashire and Monica Dolan.

The book contains a substantial preface by Nicholas Hytner and an introduction to each, by Alan Bennett.

Dive into the poignant and darkly humorous world of Alan Bennett's *Two Besides: A Pair of Talking Heads*. This special edition, published by Faber & Faber in 2020, brings you two brand-new monologues from the celebrated playwright, alongside insightful commentary, making it a must-have for fans of Bennett's signature wit and profound observations on ordinary lives. Following the immense success of the original *Talking Heads* series, these new additions, *An Ordinary Woman* and *The Shrine*, showcase Bennett's unparalleled ability to capture the quiet desperation and unexpected turns of everyday existence. *An Ordinary Woman* delves into the complex and troubling dynamic of a mother wrestling with inappropriate feelings, exploring the devastating consequences that ripple through her family. *The Shrine*, on the other hand, presents a haunting narrative through the eyes of Lorna, a woman forever changed by the tragic death of her biker partner and the shocking revelations unearthed at his roadside memorial. This edition provides not only the complete scripts of these compelling monologues, but also offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective. A substantial preface by Nicholas Hytner, who directed the BBC adaptations featuring Sarah Lancashire and Monica Dolan, provides valuable context and insights into the creative process. Furthermore, Alan Bennett himself introduces each monologue, offering his own personal reflections on the characters and themes explored. Originally conceived and filmed during the challenging circumstances of the 2020 lockdown, these *Talking Heads* were a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. The BBC adaptation, available on BBC iPlayer, brought these characters to life with stunning performances, further cementing Bennett's legacy as a master of the monologue. Now, you can experience the original written word and delve deeper into the nuances of Bennett's writing. More than just scripts, these monologues are literary masterpieces that explore themes of grief, love, loss, and the surprising resilience of the human spirit. Bennett's sharp wit and keen observations of British society are on full display, making *Two Besides* a captivating and thought-provoking read. Perfect for fans of drama, literature, and anyone who appreciates Bennett's unique voice, this pocket-sized hardcover edition is a beautiful addition to any bookshelf. Experience the power of Alan Bennett's storytelling with *Two Besides: A Pair of Talking Heads*, a testament to the enduring appeal of character-driven narratives.
Additional information
Authors

Binding

Condition

ISBN-10

057136585X

ISBN-13

9780571365852

Language

Pages

96

Publisher

Year published

Weight

173

Edition

Main

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