This was a show of three parts, each a monologue delivered by an actor, usually seated, on the stage.

Not the recipe for an absorbing evening you might think, but actually it was thrilling, funny and often very moving.

Each of the episodes dealt with some aspect of mental illness. The first, A Chip in the Sugar, told the story of Graham, his domineering mother and how eventually he turns the tables on her. Howard Scott Walker told the story wonderfully, even when he had to relate his own words and those of two other characters. There were big laughs but also empathy with a man whose world was crumbling about him in a sea of neurosis. Great stuff.

Vicky Whitehill was Muriel in Soldiering On, the least funny but most moving story. A grieving widow sees her life slowly crumbling around her and she ends up a slave to the 'telly box'. Beautifully observed and delivered.

There were plenty of hoots in A Lady of Letters, in which Anne Bennett was Miss Ruddock, an obsessive and slightly batty letter writer whose misdeeds eventually lead her to prison. Patricia Routledge obviously came to mind, but Anne Bennett did it her way and was a joy.

This was a simple idea for the Talisman but worked really well. I'd happily watch it again. John Howes

Verdict: A wonderful evening of entertainment.