Monologue duo help theatre funds

Two Talking Heads are better than one – so Sheringham Little Theatre is serving up a double bill of Alan Bennett’s classic monologues.

Soldiering On features Libby Henshaw as Muriel Carpenter a strong stoical pillar of the community who battles on with a stiff upper lip as her finances and family life crumble around her. A Chip in the Sugar focuses on Graham Whittaker (played by David Robinson) a vulnerable man battling mental health issues, his mother’s frailty and the arrival of her old flame who ignites further plot twists. Both stories are told with Bennett’s trademark wit, human observation and humour despite their dark undertones in shows in the Hub on Friday June 23 and Saturday June 24 (7.30) which are a fundraiser for the theatre. Retired schoolteacher Libby from Aylsham has been involved in amateur dramatics since helping with school productions and involved with the Little Theatre for 20 years as an actor, director and wardrobe mistress. “I have directed both these plays and I knew it would be challenging, but playing the role I can really appreciate the amount of work that goes into just learning the words, keeping the drama going on your own without cues from other actors, then portraying and sustaining the character,” she said.

David, from Cromer, is an auctioneer for Knights Sporting Auctions, got involved in amateur stage in 2004 when he says he was “dragged along” to Aldborough’s village panto auditions by his eldest daughter – ended up playing a “camp horse – caught the bug and haven’t looked back since.” He added: “I have played various roles but nothing as multi-layered as this. It is great fun thanks to the brilliant writing of Alan Bennett who gives a snapshot of Graham’s life which is poignant but beautifully laced with Bennett’s trademark humour.”

Tickets for the shows are £12 and can be purchased here or call the box office on 01263 822347.