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, with excellent roles from a very talented cast, the show featured many notable performances. 

Ian Benson was excellent as Gilbert Chivers, ruled by his ambitious wife, and a heartthrob for the ladies who had experienced his ‘magic fingers’. He gave a relaxed and convincing performance. As his wife Joyce, Mary Bloss was first class – strong and ambitious for their future together and her timing was spot on. I liked Dawn Peat, a top-class act as Mother Dear, brilliant characterisation with comic timing to perfection. 

The trio of men who were hoping to gain from rearing Betty were played strongly by Luke Coldham (Dr. James Swaby), Marty Doyle (Henry Allardyce) and Robert Morley (Francis Lockwood). They each portrayed their different characters quite clearly. Lockwood was fairly tough and looking to the business side of matters, Dr Swaby was arrogant and also thinking of his own gain, and Allardyce was just a big softie who wanted to save Betty, and it turned out, fell in love with her blue eyes!  

The scary Mr Wormold the Official Meat Inspector, who would confiscate at the drop of a hat, was impressively played by Josh Handley and back in the 1940s a man such as he must have struck dread into the hearts of those trying to feed themselves and their families. 

Joe Drury played butcher Metcalf with ease and Natalie Hills was nicely suggestive as his wife. 

It was quite clear that the company were enjoying taking part in this unusual musical and all of them, the many named smaller roles and the chorus, worked together to make it a success under the firm direction of Michael Lambert. The choreography was visually attractive and well-rehearsed and the number with the dancers, ‘Nobody’, was especially good. This was all well supported by a good orchestra. 

On the technical front Jenny Storey did a splendid job with Betty and just like in ‘The War Horse’, after the first few minutes the puppeteer became invisible. Betty’s movements were unbelievably realistic. 

Another notable scene was the one with the men behind the stalls in the gentlemen’s loo – very funny. The toy car crossing the stage after collecting Betty was a lovely touch. 

Unfortunately, a little more attention was needed with the mics as some of the vocals at the beginnings of songs, especially the opening number were lost. 

It was a lovely performance to watch and really enjoyable. There was a large cast, crew and production team, so many of which who really all pulled together as a team to have this performance brought to the audience that it’s impossible to specifically mention everyone who deserves credit.  You are all stars!  

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.