Betty Blue Eyes

Set in 1947 in a post war northern town beset by rationing, this musical revolves around the black market meat trade, featuring the antics over a pig being illicitly reared for a council banquet.

Superbly brought to life by Central, with excellent roles from a very talented cast, the show featured many notable performances.

Julie Harper, as Joyce Chilvers was superb as the social climbing but straight talking housewife. She was vocally strong, with disciplined acting and a well maintained accent. Greg Tabberer as Gilbert Chilvers, her chiropodist husband, was equally effective, with a most sincere performance, again excellent vocally, altogether a very good act.   I liked Maria Banks, a top class act as Mother Dear, brilliant characterisation with comic timing to perfection.  Other top drawer acts came from Sarah Towle, Laura Jones and Bridget Wyatt.  Spot on, with superb vocals in the nightclub, and especially as the housewives, Mmes. Roach, Lester and Turnbull, performing the `Magic Fingers` number, a real treat.  

Powerful vocals came from the Town Councillors in the guise of Steve Dunning as Francis Lockwood,  Paul Kirkland as Dr Swaby, and  Adrian Redfern as Henry Allardyce.  There was fine support from John Wedgwood, Colin Tarrant and Lynn Towle, to name but  a few,  along with a classy dance trio, supported by a good orchestra.

Good use was made of historic film footage, with a simple but effective set. A most interesting production.  A final accolade must go to Chris Margett for creating the show`s title character, a superb lifelike, tail wagging pig, and with oh so adorable eyes, a real show stealer, `Betty Blue Eyes`.

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