An Evening of Alan Bennett and Neil Simon

Neil Simon's ever-popular California Suite was originally composed of four playlets, all of which take place in Rooms 203 and 204 of the Beverley Hills Hotel.

This evening we present two of the four; the first playlet takes us through the evening where the actress Diana Nichols is nominated for the Oscars, supported by her long suffering husband Sidney.

The second playlet shows why you should never go on holiday with your friends, as two couples find that their holiday has led to bloodshed and worse.

Alan Bennett's Talking Heads are a series of monologues, originally performed by some of the most respected and loved members of British stage and screen, such as Thora Hird, Julie Walters, Maggie Smith and Penelope Wilton. They show some of the darkness that lurks in the lives of the most ordinary people. Each monologue has several mini-scenes - please don't break the atmosphere by clapping until the end.

Producer of California Suite: Boyd Wild
Prompts: The cast
Sound & Lighting: Steve Douglas (assisted by Neil Harvey)
Stage Manager: Carrie Cleland
Front of House: Glenda Meek
Bar: John Swan & the casts
Cast

TALKING HEADS (1)
A Bed Among the Lentils, by Alan Bennett
Originally performed by Maggie Smith
Performed by Fiona Wilcock

CALIFORNIA SUITE (1)
Diana Nichols: Deb Armstrong
Sidney Nichols: Mick Armstrong

TALKING HEADS (2)
Nights in the Gardens of Spain, by Alan Bennett
Originally performed by Penelope Wilton
Performed by Lucy Douglas

There will be a few minutes' interval

TALKING HEADS (3)
Her Last Chance, by Alan Bennett
Originally performed by Julie Walters
Performed by Sara Innes

CALIFORNIA SUITE (2)
Mort Hollender: Colin Robertson
Beth Hollender: Felicity Wild
Stu Franklyn: David Williamson
Gert Franklyn: Emma Harvey