CARELESS TALK

A forgotten true story of high treason, espionage, spam fritters. The only British person to be tried for treason in the Second World War takes to the stage for the first time. Was Mabel a collaborator?

A visionary? Or just an outsider? Join Mabel on Sandown Beach with her secateurs, sequinned tassels and heartfelt - if misguided - self-belief. With Ali Williams, a versatile hatstand and one stunning frock. Based on the novel 'Careless Talk' by James Friel which was shortlisted for the John Llewelyn Rhys Prize.

Please click here for the Kindle version of 'Careless Talk' the novel by James Friel.

RUNNING TIME: 60 MINUTES / 75 MINUTES WITH INTERVAL

‘Careless Talk is a cross between a wonderfully observed Victoria Wood sketch of everyday life and an episode of ‘Dad’s Army’.'

To book this show for your venue please contact Tour Booker: Rachel Barnett-Jones

'With a fondness and reverence for its subject matter and a versatile actress in the lead, this is a show you won’t want to miss.'

(London Pub Theatres review, Annie Power)

REVIEWS FOR CARELESS TALK

Standing Ovation Award Nominee

**** London Pub Theatres, Annie Power

‘Careless Talk’ tells the fascinating true(ish) tale of Mabel Bancroft, a woman who ran a hotel on the Isle of Wight and was arrested for treason in World War II…

Despite having an indomitable spirit and whimsical wit, Mabel’s tendency to wilfully ignore world issues until they directly affect her cast her as a selfishly apathetic character. However it’s difficult not to admire her resilience and unfailing ability to find humour in any situation, even when facing the death penalty for false accusations of treason, which made her story compelling.

This one-woman show is superbly acted by Ali Williams, who effortlessly embodies all the characters in a tour de force performance, displaying a range of accents and mannerisms at a heady pace with great skill and vitality.

Adapted from a novel by James Friel, the writing is warm, witty and energetic, and can turn startlingly and unexpectedly poetical such as when Mabel expresses her abiding love of the sea and its power to soothe her.