Talking Heads Double Bill 2.30pm and 7.30pm

A double bill of masterful monologues at Sheringham showcases the lives and musings of two strong but vulnerable women. 

Both are from Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads series which provides funny but poignant snapshots of everyday people. And both are played by amateur actresses from North Norfolk in a fundraising show for Sheringham Little Theatre.

A Cream Cracker Under the Settee features independent widow Doris who has fallen during dusting, and uses her “injury time” to reflect on her life’s joy and sadness including sorely missing her beloved late husband.

Doris is played by Sarah Westlake from Southrepps, who has tackled the task twice before in the past 20 years, but never tires of her character.

“She’s very houseproud and uses her true northern grit to try to remain as independent as possible – determined not to be in old people’s home. It’s a sad story but told through brilliant wit and observation.”

A Bed Among the Lentils features vicar’s wife Susan, whose dutiful but unfulfilled life is boosted by trips to a grocery store where she finds solace in the form of shopkeeper Mr Ramesh.

Bev Taylor from Sustead, who is playing her, said: “Susan feels unseen, out of place and strangled by the constraints of being a vicar’s wife – but has an innate spark and acerbic wit.”

Director of both plays Libby Henshaw from Aylsham added: “Every time you read these monologues you find something different.

“His observation of the small things in life are fantastic. It is wonderful to work with local actors one-to-one to dig deep into the characters and discover new things together.”

Talking Heads Double Bill Saturday February 28 with both shows back-to-back on the main stage at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets via www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or 01263 822347.