Good Fun and Talent

by Victoria Wood

Wood, Victoria

Genres: Plays

140 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 1988

About the author

English comedian, actress, singer and songwriter, screenwriter and director.

Reviews

[Steven Garner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up to 4 ⭐️)

I really enjoyed 'Talent'. It feels like vintage Victoria Wood and made me smile and, on a few occasions, giggle. Lines like "I thought Coq au Vin was a f*ck in a lorry" are just *chef’s kiss*.
I just couldn’t really get into 'Good Fun' though. In fact, I found a couple of characters almost too annoying to read.

[Ryan Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of the two plays by Victoria Wood 'Good Fun' & 'Talent', the latter is surely the most well known. Both are comic musicals, and although the lyrics don't transpose to prose well, the dialogue is unmistakable from the 1980s comedienne, writer, dramatist, and stand-up star. Like I say, of the two, 'Talent' is probably the most well-known, however, it has to be said, that on paper 'Good Fun' is the better example of the playwright here. Both are early examples of Victoria Wood's work and all the hallmarks of a future star are present, however, Im unsure she would have made it solely as a playwright. Good fun and talent are clear, but neither is 100% good.

[Jackie Carreira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody marvellous. A real insight into the early voice of Victoria Wood, and the obvious huge outpouring of talent that was to come.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and amusing plays, but not as meaty or as funny as much of her later work. Also (reading with a view to producing) it was frustrating not to know how the songs go! Wonder if the sheet music is available...