Betty Blue Eyes
Information
- Date
- 30th September 2022
- Society
- LOS Musical Theatre
- Venue
- Lewes Town Hall
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Elizabeth Allsobrook
- Musical Director
- Phil Laybourn
- Choreographer
- Star Bray
One always expects to be thoroughly entertained at Lewes Operatic productions and although Betty Blue Eyes was a completely unknown show to me, it was no exception to the rule. Originally written by Alan Bennett for a 1984 film entitled “A Private Function”, it transferred well into a musical comedy for the stage and although I understand it should have been produced at Lewes earlier, due to the pandemic it was delayed but was actually more than appropriate for this part of 2022 as a tribute to the memory of our late beloved Queen Elizabeth.
So we go back in time to 1947 when the country was gearing up to celebrate the wedding of Princess Elizabeth to Prince Philip and rationing of food was still in place (I still have my sweet ration book as a memento of those times). However meat was also still very much on ration then and the show started with the towns folk of this small Yorkshire town hoping to say “Goodbye to Austerity” while waiting in the queue at the butchers.
As the story progresses we meet Gilbert and Joyce Chilvers. Chiropody was Gilbert’s profession and he was longing to have his surgery in a shop that was being offered for rent in The Parade so that more people would look up to him. Thomas Hackett and Lucy Newth gave brilliant performances as this couple, the family being completed by the mother-in-law, Mother Dearest, played with great comic timing by Kate Toomer.
We soon meet the three Town Councillors who seem to be getting more than their fair share in these austere times and we hear of their plans to hold a private dinner party to which only the upper crust of the town would be invited. Dr James Swaby, solicitor Francis Lockwood and accountant Henry Allardyce were played by Andy Freeman, Sam Hile and Jon Borthwick with aplomb - the trio who were definitely hated by the more underprivileged citizens. Meat would be required for this very special function and this is where Betty Blue Eyes comes in – the pig who was being fattened up for the occasion. As time goes on and as Gilbert & Joyce become more and more fed up with being the underdogs, they conceive a plan to steal the pig and we see Betty for the first time – a beautifully constructed pig with sparkling blue eyes on a trolley – so life like!
There is a happy ending (for most anyway!) but I must mention some of the other characters who put their all into their parts to make the story so convincing. Alison King played Mrs Allardyce as the accountant’s terribly snooty wife – wonderful facial expressions and that goes for so many of the cast member as well. Ian Foster gave a great performance as Inspector Wormold – the Meat Inspector and Matt Robinson was the convincing Sergeant Noble. I must also mention the little Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip (Naomi Casterton and Alfie Lucas) who were absolutely charming. In fact, all the named characters and ensemble including the Lionheart Trio sang, acted and danced their hearts out.
Great accompaniment by the Orchestra led by Phil Laybourn, Musical Director but it was not always easy to hear the dialogue with the music being played over the top. All those responsible for the costumes, hair and makeup got everything just right for 1947. The scenery certainly gave the impression of a place just coming out of wartime and was absolutely ideal.
A really lovely souvenir programme which I’m sure could be entered into the NODA Programme Competition. Let me know if you would like to do this and I can ensure 5 copies go to the right place.
As usual so much activity goes on behind the scenes – without those personnel there wouldn’t be a show so thanks to all of them and especially to Director Elizabeth Allsobrook, Choreographer Star Bray and Musical Director Phil Laybourn.
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