The BBC have managed to secure a star-studded cast for a reboot of sorts of Alan Bennett's monologue series for the new era.
In case you don't already know of it, the original 'Talking Heads' series first landed on screens in 1988, with a follow-up released 10 years later. Each episode saw a different character perform a monologue in front of the camera, which have all been written by playwright Alan Bennett. Julie Walters, Patricia Routledge and Thora Hird all appeared in both entries in the series, playing a different character in each iteration.
The series has been known for its simple, stripped-back setup, as well as its extremely powerful job of acting by its cast. Thora Hird, a late actress famed for her roles in various British TV and films, won a Best Actress Bafta Award for her two appearances in the series. Maggie Smith was also famed for her role in the first series.
This new 'Talking Heads' entry will feature heavyweight star quality, with thespian Imelda Staunton, 'Killing Eve' star Jodie Comer, and 'Sherlock' and 'Fargo' actor Martin Freeman all lined up to speak their monologues. The plan is to make 12 episodes for the new series, with 10 of them being based on the previous two series. The extra two entries will be new originals from the mind of series creator Bennett.
The new series is believed to begin filming next week at BBC's Elstree studios outside of London, with the BBC still maintaining the strict social-distancing measures. Also included in the cast are Tamsin Greig from 'Black Books', Lucian Msamati from Sky's new series 'Gangs of London', Kristin Scott Thomas from 'The English Patient', Maxine Peake from 'The Theory of Everything', and Sarah Lancashire who starred as Raquel Watts in 'Coronation Street'.
Here's Julie Walters in 'Her Big Chance' from 1988 to give you a sample of what's to come in the upcoming 'Talking Heads' series. Jodie Comer will be reviving this monologue for the new series.
