Alan Bennett: Talking Heads 2

In each of these monologues humor is mixed with the sadness of each character's life. The sadness may come from a dramatic tragedy, or from a failure to connect, or from the inability to break free.

Patricia Routledge amazed me as the title character of "Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet." She's always a treat, and of course I'll never look at chiropodists the same way after this little story.

Eileen Atkins' realistic portrayal of Celia in "The Hand of God" was the pure distillation of the characters of many antiques dealers I've known. If you're a collector, you'll know her at once. Something like what occurs in the story does happen from time to time, which makes it all the better.

Penelope Wilton's quiet, elegant voice makes her story, "Nights in the Gardens of Spain" all the more chilling.

So perfectly did these three actresses perform their stories that I cannot imagine anyone else in the roles.

Bennett provokes, prods, and cajoles us into facing the truth. But even when it's uncomfortable, we end up better for having heard him, for he speaks for those who are not heard, but keep on going nonetheless.

The perfect blend of tragi-comedy from the pen of one of England's best writers, delivered by the cream of the UK's acting profession. Unmissable.

Follow up to the original Talking Heads is just as wonderful as its predecessor. Excellent performances make the audio version the definitive version for this series. This is a recording that you will be listening to over and over again.

Excellent, engaging, entertaining.