Betty Blue Eyes

I had heard a lot about this show, based on the film “A Private Function”, from various sources but had never had the chance to see it so was delighted when EMT announced it as their 2020 show and it did not disappoint. From the sung overture “Goodbye Austerity Britain” to the finale it was full of delightful music, comedy and some pathos. Huge congratulations must go to Rob Kenyon - in his first ever stage and singing role – who took on the huge lead role of Gilbert Chilvers. He imbued the role with both humour and pathos and had an excellent singing voice to boot (you could have heard a pin drop during his rendition of “The Kind of Man I Am”). Natalie Munro was excellent as his social climbing wife Joyce - always ready with an icy glance and withering put-down but with a softer side as shown in the number “Lionheart”. Leigh McLaggan gave a delightful performance as Mother Dear (“I’m 74 you know”) and her every facial expression and movement had the audience in stitches – well we all know someone just like her! The trio “Pig, No Pig” with Joyce, Mother Dear and Gilbert was magnificent fun. Sandy Duncan as accountant Henry Allardyce was a great character and his interaction with the pig he had named Betty Blue Eyes was a joy to behold. Strong support was given by Chris Hewett (Dr James Swaby) and Ken Smith (Frances Lockwood) as his fellow snobbish Town Councillors. Ian Duncan gave a very good portrayal as jobsworth meat inspector Mr Wormold the villain of the piece, in which he was aided by Willie Duncan as Police Sergeant Noble. And of course I can’t forget to mention the eponymous Betty (electronically controlled by her creator Eddie Pratt) whose big blue eyes melted the hearts of the characters and audience alike. The chorus singing and movement was very good and supported well by Bob Garrity and the 11 members of the orchestra. Special mention must be made of the beautiful singing of Laura Dee (Mrs Roach), Lauren Harper (Mrs Lester) and Julie Gray (Mrs Turnbull) in the “Magic Fingers” and Lionheart” numbers – the harmonies were stunning. The set, designed and built by members of the company, was appropriate and good use was made of the various levels. The costuming was appropriate to the era and to the characters. Congratulations to all at Elgin Musical Theatre.

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