Betty Blue Eyes

What a wonderful show – full of energy, comedy and wonderful characterisation from everyone on stage.  The musical is based on the original story by Alan Bennett and Malcom Mowbray “A Private Function” and the adaptation to a stage musical is simply charming.  Director, Brian Dougherty and his production team pulled off a great interpretation of this musical which follows the story of a small town doing it’s ‘fair share’ for Austerity Britain, while some people are taking far more than their entitlement.  In 1947 Britain has won the war and local people want to celebrate the forthcoming nuptials of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip.    In one small town the local officials come up with a plan to raise a pig outside of the formal channels and all while the Meat Inspector is doing his rounds. 

Dougherty had pulled together a strong and very entertaining cast.  Jo Hageman was fabulous as the aspiring young wife, Joyce Chilvers – a professional performance from a very strong performer with a wonderful voice and great stage presence.  Her long-suffering husband Gilbert Chilvers, was portrayed by David Phillips who was utterly believable in the role.  Philips was wonderful, giving a very empathetic performance.  The role of ‘Mother Dear’ must be one of the most hilarious character roles for women in the world of Musical Theatre and Jacky Bacon simply immersed herself into the part in a brilliant, comedic representation.  Her every move, line and facial reaction was in keeping with the role – a truly inspiring performance.

I enjoyed the super grouping of John Parsons as Henry Allardyce, Rod Wheat as Dr Swaby and Dave Arrand as Francis Lockwood.  These three worked very well together, each creating a different character which was totally suited to their place in the story.  Very well done gentlemen.  I did enjoy the duet of Betty Blue Eyes between Allardyce and Gilbert Chilvers – this number (a love song dedicated to a pig) was wonderfully emotional.

Paul Newton was Inspector Wormald, the meat inspector with super delivery and a mean outlook on life.  Jake West took two small roles - Farmer Sutcliffe and Prince Phillip – both wonderfully portrayed.  Bev Evans as Mrs Allardyce, Robin Poole as Sgt Noble, Mick Metcalfe and Trudi Jackson as Mr & Mrs Metcalf all created great supporting characters.  Erika O’Connell played Veronica Allardyce and was hugely entertaining and never out of character, up to and including the bows.  The show has some great ‘cameo’ parts which include strong routines and musical numbers – the strong cast at SMTS were well able to fill these.

MD Liam Fletcher had worked with the confident ensemble who had some great numbers and performed with passion.  The dance routines were perfect for the era and were well matched to this show.  Choreographer Eleanor Pepper had also created some super opportunities for a smaller number of dancers and these worked well – I particularly enjoyed ‘Nobody’ and the routines in the dance hall.

The costumes were appropriate for the period and the scenery and props were perfect for the show with effective lighting and sound to keep this production very sharp.  Well done to the members of WeDoItInTheDark.com who ensured swift changing of the scenes, in their usual professional way. 

This was a very funny show and the standout routine was ‘Pig No Pig’ – the delivery was impeccable and the energy and hilarity was none stop - the cast looked like they were having a ball with the number.  A final mention must go to the title role “Betty Blue Eyes” herself.  An endearing and charming puppet pig who was very effectively operated by Maddy Coleman.  Coleman managed to ensure her presence neither got in the way of the characters or made the delightful four-legged performer any less believable.  I certainly didn’t want sausage for breakfast the following day!

Congratulations to everyone involved – a really great show.

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