It was interesting to see how characters can be created via a monologue. Patricia Routledge created the different characters by voice changes and head movements, actually acting the characters. There were three characters in particular that she showed really strongly using these techniques – her brother and two chiropodists in her life.
Through the script we also gained a good picture of Miss Fozzard herself. She was a bit naïve, at least at first, but was cautious about younger people who she thought did not have much experience and so were not necessarily capable. The setting was also well suited to the monologue. For example, after her brother has a second stroke, we see her looking out with rain running down the window, representing the bleakness of the situation. Through her words we can “see” her brother sitting in his chair staring into space. All of this showed how clever Alan Bennett’s script is, and how well Patricia Routledge interprets the words.
Next month we will be watching an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, starring Sarah Parish, Damian Lewis, Billie Piper and Tom Ellis. Everyone is welcome to join us. Anyone familiar with the Shakespeare Play may be particularly interested in this film.
Details of BPACC’s Seniors Week screening of ‘Love and Friendship’ can be found in ‘Around the Traps’ (Drop down menu under 'Benalla'.