“They are big footsteps to fill,” said local actress Gloria Costa when describing her role in the Algarveans Experimental Theatre Group’s production of “Talking Heads” by famous British author Alan Bennett.
Gloria is playing the role of Doris in the monologue called ‘Cream Cracker Under The Settee’, a part made famous by Thora Hird when the monologue was first performed on television in the 1980s.
Gloria added: “When I tell friends about the monologue I am performing, they all seem to remember Thora Hird all those years ago. I am very excited about the part as it is an opportunity to do some great theatre. All the Talking Heads’ monologues are so well written and, although there is only one person on stage, you are made to feel like there are multiple characters in each piece.”
The Algarveans will be performing four monologues and the production has been adapted to the stage by director Chris Winstanley.
“One of my challenges has been to convert very static pieces written for television into theatre, which has a lot of movement. The most important part though has been to get all four actors to really understand who the characters they are portraying really are, and we have had great fun creating back stories for each of them,” said Chris.
Veteran actor Gloria has been a member of the Algarveans for many years and has had many lead roles with the group. She mentions that she had not found learning the lines too difficult, despite the fact she will be on stage on her own for 30 minute.
“My character Doris faces a crisis in her life and we are treated to many emotions from laughter to tears as she makes decisions about her future,” said Gloria.
“Talking Heads” will be performed in the beautiful and intimate surroundings of the Teatro Mascarenhas Gregório in Silves on October 27, 28 and 29 at 7.45pm.
Due to the limited capacity at the theatre, advanced bookings are advised.
This production is being staged in co-production with the Câmara Muncipal de Silves.
Tickets at €12 are available by email [email protected] or by calling: 913 723 611 | 966 211 634 | 282 496 635.
Photo: Algarve actress Gloria Costa is playing the role of Doris
Photo by: Ian Carfrae
