" A Cracking Observer Of People"

 

Alan Bennett is always appreciated as a most accurate observer of the jolly old Human Race....
" Talking Heads" ( Thora Herd, Patricia Routledge et al) exemplified that....as did his " History Boys" .....with the lately lamented Richard Griffiths.
That's just 2 thoughts in Bennett's huge archive of wittily moving sensitive writings.

Recently we headed to a local cinema for a National Theatre Live showing of Bennett's latest play " People". It's set in a stately home....where we meet Dorothy ( peer and ex model.......SOME combo!) played by Frances de la Tour...... plus Linda Bennett as Iris, her devoted "companion" .....and Selina Cadell playing Dorothy's sister June, a strident grumpo tweedily-suited Archdeaconess.

This at-1st-glance masks as comedy...but WHIP OFF that mask..... and see a provocative/thought provoking play ....with dubious heartbreaking family relationships.......past personal histories.......the power (?) of The National Trust.....a Valuer who suggests moving the whole house far away....( all the way, brick by ancient brick) from Yorkshire to the Dorset coast......INDEED, there are massive far-reaching decisions to be made......AND also  there are porn movies.......   which get filmed hilariously on stage......
A super evening's entertainment, with Alan Bennett's grip on character as strong and absorbing as ever....