TWO popular monologues by writer Alan Bennett will be performed by members of Borderline Theatre Company next week.

Actresses Maureen Roberts and Jan Barker are preparing to present the works made famous on TV by Thora Hird and Julie Walters, in A Cream Cracker Under The Settee and Her Big Chance respectively, from his Talking Heads collection.

Director Helen Christie said: “Since directing A Chip In The Sugar, which Bennett himself played in the BBC series, I have wanted to return to this remarkable work – perhaps because to take his words from the page to the stage is such a satisfying feeling for a director.

“His unerring ear for natural speech creates characters so convincing that we feel we really know them.

“I am very pleased to have Maureen Roberts, one of Borderline’s most accomplished actors, playing Doris in A Cream Cracker Under The Settee. For Her Big Chance I’ve persuaded Jan Barker, who is usually seen on stage at Blackburn Arts Club, to make the journey up the M65 and make her first appearance for Borderline.

“They are both really talented actors, rehearsals are going well and we’re really looking forward to presenting a memorable nights theatre.”

Included in the £10 ticket price for the performances, at Nelson's ACE Centre, is a bistro-style light supper, and a raffle will be held with all proceeds going to Pendleside Hospice.

Call the ACE Centre on 01282 661080 to book for the performances on October 12 and 13.