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
Essential Dylan Thomas, The
This unique combination of historical and new recordings celebrates Dylan Thomas as poet, writer and performer. Here are some of his greatest poems, stories and broadcasts: readings given by Thomas himself in the 1940s and 1950s as well as new recordings by leading Welsh actors of our own time. Under Milk Wood is Thomas's undisputed masterpiece, an unforgettable, affectionate portrait of a small Welsh town. Written for radio, its intimate blend of poetry and drama made it an instant classic; and so it remains in this unmatched recording with a perfect cast led by Richard Burton. But here, also, are two fascinating earlier radio programmes, Return Journey to Swansea and Quite Early One Morning, written and performed by Thomas, which show the past that led to Under Milk Wood.
The last two CDs contain new recordings of a selection of stories (including Memories of Christmas and A Visit to Grandpa's) and poems in which contemporary performance offers an interesting contrast to the 'authentic' voice of Thomas himself.
Publisher: NAXOS
Author: Dylan Thomas
Narrator: Full Cast Performance
ISBN: 9 62634 343 5
Normandy Stories
Maupassant is hailed as one of the greatest masters of the short story. This collection focusses upon the land he knew and loved so well - Normandy. Its people and its countryside are portrayed here in vivid colour and with great warmth. Amusing, saucy, and sometimes even farcical they may be, but they are also capable of great pathos, often branching off to end tragically. It is this skilful and affecting blend of tragedy and comedy, of tears and laughter, which make Maupassant's Normandy Stories the enduring favourites they are today.
Publisher: NAXOS
Author: Guy de Maupassant
Narrator: Oliver Montgomery
ISBN: 9 62634 311 7
WordTheatre presents The Wild West
WordTheatre presents The Wild West Performed Live at The Met Theatre in Hollywood, Produced and Directed by Darrell Larson and Cedering Fox
The Wild West offers an introduction to WordTheatre's comprehensive survey of the literature inspired by the West. This vital genre has, for the past 150 years, shown us who we are by reflecting the struggles of individuals facing a lawless frontier.
We begin our journey with "Deadwood Dick: At the Met," a rambunctious example of the notorious dime novels. Amy Madigan (Pollock, Carnivale) gives a rip-roaring reading of Edward Wheeler's 1887 account of one night inside Deadwood's wildest saloon, featuring a cameo appearance by Calamity Jane.
Next, Sheila Kelley (The Sopranos, Dancing at the Blue Iguana) offers a heartbreaking performance of Dorothy M. Johnson's short story, "Journey to the Fort," a psychologically acute rendering of one woman's path back to civilization.
Gary Dourdan (C.S.I., Alien Resurrection) smoothly inhabits "The Naked Gun," a powerful fable of fate working through innocent hands from John Jakes's Western story collection, The Bold Frontier.
WordTheatre brings people together to share stories in a unique way. Through this collective experience, we aim to deepen our sense of community as we celebrate the oral storytelling tradition. We welcome you to join world-class writers and actors at our literary salons in Los Angeles, New York and London for live readings and book signings. For more information on WordTheatre please visit www.wordtheatre.com
Publisher: Harper Collins US
Author: Various
Narrator: Various
ISBN: 0061120421
