The English writer-performer, Alan Bennett, wrote six marvellous monologues - appositely titled Talking Heads - for television, and they translate well to the stage. Each character is representative of some recognisable niche in today's society, and the portraits manage to be both funny and sad.
The first of the two sketches in-depth now at Andrews Lane Studio is Bed Among the Lentils, the story of a vicar's wife oppressed by evensong, religious shibboleths and sherry. She has her fling, winning a battle but losing the war.
A Chip in the Sugar is told by Graham, the passive-gay son of an elderly widow who threatens to ruin her son's placid life by marrying a vulgar, geriatric boyfriend of yore. It looks like it's back to the hostel and the tablets for Graham, but things take a few turns before the tale's wound up.
Anne McGeown and Ciaran Kelly do well as the narrators, offering laughter and pathos in equal measure as the still waters running deep.
Continues until July 26th; booking at (01) 6795720.