The Independent Recommends: Talks

SWEETER 'N' CREAM, Maureen Lipman (below) discloses the finer points of barn-raising, butter-churning and baccy-chewing in this afternoon's CelebriTea talk at the National Theatre cafe. In conversation with Al Senter, Lipman discusses the transition from TV agony aunt, phone-bashing Jewish momma and Joyce Grenfell impersonator, to her latest role as wiry old biddy Aunt Eller in Oklahoma! Strictly speaking, Lipman should be unpacking a gingham- trimmed picnic hamper full of blueberry pie, fried chicken and homemade lemonade, but she will get confidential instead over a nice cream tea. As the song goes: "Them stories 'bout the way I lost my bloomers. Rumors! A lot of tempest in a pot o' tea!"

Terrace Cafe, National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 (0171-452 3000) 2.30pm