Review by Ray MacAllan
Untold Stories are two autobiographical recollections by Alan Bennett.
The first, Hymn, features Bennett, superbly played by Alex Jennings, alongside a string quartet. In this, Bennett recalls his father, a butcher who played violin in his spare time and tried to teach his son but to no avail. This is a touching piece which deals with Bennetts perceived lack of childhood failure and paternal disappointment.
The second, Cocktail Sticks, is, in my opinion one of Bennett’s finest plays. Recalling a childhood that he felt lacked excitement in his and his parents lives. It is tender, moving and funny in Bennett’s typical melancholic humour. It’s making amends posthumously, for the embarrassment felt when his parents visit him at Oxford and their social awkwardness. Bennett not only brings out his parents quirkiness, but also their deep and abiding love for each other. Two sterling performances from Gabrielle Lloyd and Jeff Rawle as Mam and Dad round off a wonderful production.
Alan Bennett’s Untold Stories runs until the 15th June. Find tickets here.
The Duchess Theatre can be found at:
3-5 Catherine Street
London
WC2B 5LA
0844 482 9672
