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Performance: Nona

on BBC Two England

Les Dawson donned a stringy wig and voluminous black dress to play the title role in Roberto Cossa's grim satire of post-Falklands Argentina. First shown in 1991, it is repeated here as a tribute to the comedian, who died earlier this year.

Nona, "the old one", is the 100-year-old matriarch of a city family, whose gluttony reduces her kinfolk to beggary, prostitution and death. The role is traditionally played by a leading male comic.

Dawson chomped his way to an 181b weight-gain during the filming, but was glad of the opportunity to extend himself theatrically. "It's good that people can see me doing something other than a game show. There comes a point when you're not stretching yourself any more - hence my little excursion into the heavier theatre."

Contributors

Author:
Roberto Cossa
Adapted by:
Michael Hastings
Producer/Director:
Simon Curtis
Nona:
Les Dawson
Anyula:
Liz Smith
Carmello:
Jim Broadbent
Chico:
Timothy Spall
Maria:
Susan Brown
Marta:
Jane Horrocks
Don Francisco:
Maurice Denham

BBC Two England

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