Alan and Thora (Short Story)

Alan and Thora

Until the time of her death in 2003, much-loved actress Thora Hird worked regularly with the playwright Alan Bennett. Now, in a specially written introduction and postscript, Bennett recalls his work and friendship with Thora, and introduces three examples of their collaboration.

The Last of the Sun
Dolly's remaining days in an old people's home are enlivened by a seemingly respectable man. Recorded in 2002, Thora Hird's last ever performance, in a part written especially for her, is moving and memorable.

A Cream Cracker Under the Settee
Doris has taken a fall at home, and until someone comes to rescue her she's left immobile and in reflective mood. This monologue, from the first series of Talking Heads, features one of Thora's best-remembered performances.

Waiting for the Telegram
Remembering how she lost her first young man, Violet does not see how close she is to losing her second. Thora Hird won a BAFTA for Best Actress for her performance in this monologue from the second Talking Heads series.

Written By
Alan Bennett
Music composed by George Fenton
Introductions produced by Colin Smith

THE LAST OF THE SUN
Dolly.................Thora Hird
Originally broadcast on BBC7 in 2004
Produced by Colin Smith
Recorded at Broadcasting House in 2002

A CREAM CRACKER UNDER THE SETTEE
Doris ................Thora Hird
Policeman ..........Steven Beard
Originally broadcast on BBC1 in 1988
Re-recorded for audio and broadcast on BBC Radio 4
Produced by Innes Lloyd
Directed by Stuart Burge

WAITING FOR THE TELEGRAM
Violet ................Thora Hird
Originally broadcast on BBC2 in 1998
Produced by Mark Shivas
Directed by Stuart Burge

Publisher: BBC Audiobooks Ltd
Author: Alan Bennett
Narrator: Various
ISBN: 0563 52347 6

Fall of the House of Usher, The: Pit and the Pendulum, The: And Other Tales...

The horrors of the Spanish Inquisition, with its dungeon of death, and the overhanging gloom on the House of Usher demonstrate unforgettably the unique imagination of Edgar Allan Poe. Unerringly, he touches upon some of our greatest nightmares - premature burial, ghostly transformation and words from beyond the grave. Written in the 1830s and 1840s, they have retained their power to shock and frighten even now.

Publisher: NAXOS
Author: Edgar Allan Poe
Narrator: William Roberts
ISBN: 9 62634 283 8

Classic American Short Stories

Five great American short story writers, dating from the turn of the 19th/20th centuries, are represented here. Different in atmosphere and writing style, they nevertheless caught the mood and concerns of the day in a way that was distinctly American. Bierce's 'An Occurrence...' leaves echoes in the imagination; the stories by Crane and London recall the themes of the Civil War and the Klondike for which they are well known. Twain's humour is to the fore in The Notorious Jumping Frog.... And O. Henry's sharp observation makes his neat tales a joy to listen to. An attractive and accessible collection.

Publisher: NAXOS
Author: Various
Narrator: William Roberts
ISBN: 9 62634 212 9

Louisiana Stories
Unabridged Stories written by Kate Chopin. Thirteen of the best of Chopin's stories of Louisiana including Desiree's Baby and Love on the Bon-Dieu.
Publisher: In Audio
Author: Kate Chopin
Narrator: Full Cast Production
ISBN: 158472 717 9