A wonderful surprise gift from Alan Bennett - a brand new story, set in a home for the elderly; a glorious, darkly comic treat. 'Full of wit and style.' OBSERVER 'A terrific cast of characters, and secrets and chaos aplenty.' iNEWS 'A geriatric Lord of the Flies.' SPECTATOR We have a choir and on special occasions a glass of dry sherry. It's less of a home and more of a club and very much a community. Presided over by the lofty Mrs McBryde, Hill Topp House is a superior council home for the elderly. Among the unforgettable cast of staff and residents there's Mr Peckover the deluded archaeologist, Phyllis the knitter, Mr Cresswell the ex-cruise ship hairdresser, the enterprising Mrs Foss and Mr Jimson the chiropodist. Covid is the cause of fatalities and the source of darkly comic confusion, but it's also the key to liberation. As staff are hospitalised, protocol breaks down. Miss Rathbone reveals a lifelong secret, and the surviving residents seize their moment, arthritis allowing, to scamper freely in the warmth of the summer sun. 'Violet? She'll be having a little lie-down,' said Mrs McBryde. 'She likes to give her pacemaker a rest. I'll rout her out.'
Alan Bennett
Alan Bennett is a British playwright, author, and actor known for his sharp wit and keen observations of British society. His most notable works include "The History Boys," "The Madness of George III," and "The Lady in the Van." Bennett's writing style is characterized by its humor, social commentary, and vivid characterizations. He is renowned for his ability to capture the complexities and nuances of everyday life in Britain. Bennett's contributions to literature have had a profound impact on the genre of British comedy and drama. His most famous work, "The History Boys," won multiple awards and has been adapted into a successful film. Bennett's work continues to be celebrated for its wit, insight, and humanity.
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