Backstairs Billy

Having previously seen a few productions at the Talisman Theatre, I set the bar high prior to attending the final performance of Backstairs Billy, along with Regional Representative Joyce Eyre.

There was a warm and pleasant welcome from the front-of-house team as we joined an increasingly busy foyer, with a keen full house assembling for the performance and their ‘audience with The Queen’ as representatives of Noda.

This is a relatively recent addition to amateur theatre repertoires, having first played in the West End at the Duke of York Theatre in 2023. I recall historical images of the late Queen Mother with a formally dressed member of the Household discreetly positioned in the background. At the time, I had no idea that this figure was William “Billy” Tallon—Steward and
Page of the Backstairs, RVO.

The opening music could not have been more fitting: Crown Imperial, composed for the coronation of King George VI and later used at the coronations of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. This immediately set an appropriate regal tone for the evening. As the music faded, it revealed a comfortably elegant drawing room, The Garden Room in Clarence House, the residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth: The Queen Mother upon the death of King George VI (Bertie).

The set was well designed, featuring double doors upstage centre, a drinks bar upstage left, and an archway downstage. The furniture was suitably period-appropriate, including a decorative rug which—again in keeping with the tone of the Household was only to be stepped on by members of the family. The wall upstage was not fully in place- this enabled the audience to see the corridor leading to the Garden Room. Here we saw the ensuring the Queen’s hair was in place and the antics of certain staff members.

It is 1979, just before Margaret Thatcher becomes Prime Minister. The play opens with ‘Billy’ played by Micheal Seeley drilling members of staff in the placing of four vases of flowers within The Garden Room. This was ahead of a drinks reception to be held with Her Majesty. From his first entrance he commanded the stage in a role whereby he clearly had free running around Clarence House. The role was massive and he hardly had a moment off stage. He was simply wonderful in the role whether serving The Queen, or when rather naughty with guests (not always officially invited!) as he looked after not only Her Majesty but his own welfare. His impression of Princess Margret and Prince Charles was wonderful.

Mr Kerr, the Queens Private Secretary (not unsimilar to Sir Humphrey) had numerus clashes with Billy as he tried to cut costs much to the displeasure of The Queen. The strait-laced party-pooper was well played by Mike Tidesley. It was a joy to see him at times put in his place.

Her Majesty was admirably and regally played by Gill Halford. It appeared every word had been considered along with every movement to get the character correct. This ranged from disappoint when left down by Princess Margaret for a breakfast appointment, greeting guests, interactions with staff as well as the odd outburst such as throwing a boiled egg along with a more mischievous side and someone who liked a drink and reading a magazine. Gill equally portrayed well her sadness on the loss of her beloved husband and the demotion from Buckingham Palace.

Recruited to the Household was Gwydion (Daff) who was splendidly played by Jack Ives. He was taken under the wing (in more ways than one) by Billy. A moment when he sang a Welsh traditional hymn was wonderful, and much amused by The Queen, stating maybe more later on!

The play went into almost farce mode when Ian played very well by Glenn May is initially sneaked into Clarence House along with a rather suggestive sculpture and Gwydion embarked on the initiation test wearing just his pants. Add into the proceedings Ian claiming to be the Prince of Liechtenstein, sent over from The Palace it was obvious that the sculpture was going to end up literally in the hands of The Queen.

The official guests were superb in their characters. Jill Laurie and Maurice Smith played strait-laced, tee-total WI member and Rotarian Mr and Mrs Harrington Bahr, their cordial somehow got laced with vodka and they were later reported to have been taken poorly, reportedly, into an ottoman. There portrayal was convincing and not overdone.  A somewhat
hysterical sit com star Anabella Maude was well played by Sally Jolliffe. Wendy Morris was creditable as the somewhat confused Lady Adeline, as she was convinced, she had seen Bertie only last week. Other guests also well played were kilt wearing Hugh McCoyd and a spectacularly slim Lady Miffie Astlebury played by Colin Ritchie and Amy Jolliffe.

Finally, congratulations to Laurie Weston as Young Billy. In one scene we were taken back to February 1952 and events following the funeral of the King. We hear of letters Billy wrote to The Palace and his desire to serve. He arrived aged 15 and we immediately saw the start of the relationship between Billy and The Queen. At the end of the play, we hear that he
served The Queen until her death in 2002 and of his death 5 years later. Laurie captured the part sensitively as he described his background in Coventry.

Supporting staff fulfil their roles in keeping with their position in the ranks of the Household – Jane Yates, Suneil Bargri, Vaibhav Walunj, Kenneth Lam, Camila Attuoni.

Lighting and sound worked well, such as the low lite scene following the Kings funeral and the obligatory corgi barks.

Post show I was delighted to not only engage with the director but also with some cast members.

Thank you for a wonderful regal as well as entertaining, humous and thoughtful evening. I look forward to future visits Talisman Theatre and wish all involved my very best wishes.

In short, a massive congratulations.

Andy Brown, Regional Councillor NODA West Midlands

Additional comment from Joyce Eyre.
When Andy recommended we go to see this production I had no idea what we were about to whiteness. As always the Talisman uphold high standards in everything they set out to achieve. What really impressed me outside of the actual performances was the meticulous attention to detail.

What a joy to see actual tea coloured liquid being poured from the tea pot, red and white wine, amber whisky, orange cordial and pale champagne to name just a few beverages copiously consumed. I could even see the corgis ‘accident’ under the sofa. It was a pleasure to see something so informative and yet entertaining done so well.

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