Betty Blue Eyes

Belts are being tightened and the country’s long-suffering citizens are being told by the government that there will be shares for all in return for surviving Austerity Britain, while others feather their nests. Sound familiar? This is actually Betty Blue Eyes the musical set in 1947. Not to get too political it is still fresh today. Based on the film A Private Function with lyrics by Anthony Drew and music by George Styles we’re a transported back to the era of rationing.

The set is the street where most of the action takes place with an array of shop fronts stage left and right. Ornate signs like Metcalf the Butchers (which does change hands) Dr Swaby, Egans and Bithell Pharmaceuticals. Up-stage centre a small raised platform and stage right an alleyway going off into the wings. The cast and crew then bring on various sets like the Chilvers’ house complete with piano, the Metcalf’s house, a men’s urinal scene and the setting for the private functions to mention a few certainly sets the scene. Love the little touches such as the moving car with pig and Chilvers - this was great. Set Design by Laura Gaskell and Ryan Gerrard. Set Build team are Laura Gaskell, Paul Brighouse, Bex Bagot, Callum Bagot, Jenny Dickinson, Karl Gerrard, Ryan Gerrard, Yvonne Gerrard, Cameron Lyth, Catherine Taylor, Helen Taylor and Rachel Taylor. There were quite a few props involved and mostly cuts of meat also steering wheels, cases and baskets - the list goes on. Props Manager Yvonne Gerrard. Lighting was effective and in keeping - Lighting by Jack Welsby, Rhys Churchill, George Cunniffe and Andy Garvey. Sound on the whole was good with just a bit of feedback at the beginning then it settled. Sound by Louise Proctor and Callum Bagot. The costumes were all in keeping and make-up and hair looked particularly good and of the period - very effective. Costumes Lesley Egan. Hair and Make-up Rebecca Gerrrad and Carol Evans. It’s not a full out dance show but choreography when needed looked good and I particularly liked the movement in It’s an Ill Wind with Mrs Tillbrook played by Emma Swanton and The Women. Choreography Sonya Bithell and Lesley Egan with assistance from Louise Proctor. The band were stage right raised above the wings and in view. Bandleader and Keyboards was Neil Ravenscroft. All under the watchful eye of Catherine Taylor, Musical Director.

Sonya Bithell and Lesley Egan co-direct and take us on a journey of a village celebrating the Royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Families and village folks just trying to get along with the bullies and snobs thrown in to make it interesting. I did think the second half had more energy and moved on a pace compared with the first. It is great to see the lesser-known musicals being performed.  I also have to say how well the cast coped in the heat with hats and coats on under those lights. What was certainly evident was the joy they all have in performing. Great to see crew used and acknowledged.

The large cast and townspeople all worked very hard and too many to mention, so I will just name a few. Megan Smith’s received pronunciation as Princess Elizabeth was spot on, The Lion Heart Trio and The Ladies having their feet done during Magic Fingers was a delight and heartfelt. Mrs Lester was played by Megan Lyth, Mrs Roach by Jayne Reed and Mrs Turnbull by Catherine Taylor.

The men who liked to think they rule the town albeit in a corrupt way are Jim Taylor as Dr James Swaby, Denis Michoux as Frances Lockwood and Dave McCarrick as Henry Allardyce. Dave’s not quite as mean as the other two and his love for the pig Betty is hilarious - Betty Blue Eyes with the character Gilbert Chilvers was a delight. His eyes literally melt when he sees Betty. The end scene when we find out he has kicked his wife out of the bedroom for Betty and her reaction - priceless. Mrs Allardyce played by Joanne Coates.

Yvonne Gerrard took on the role of Mother Dear - seventy-four and ravenous. Great character - who knew about all that spam?! The Song with The Chilvers Pig, No Pig was a highlight for me. Fabulous. Stephanie Maloney as Joyce Chilvers a nobody determined to be somebody and somebody she was. Lovely voice and characterisation and working well with Guy Tudgay playing Gilbert Chilvers, they had great energy.  I loved his characterisation of Gilbert - the indecisiveness and altruistic outlook. The way he was with his wife and mother-in-law, giving us the character of a gentle soul. On pointe. Excellent.

Ryan Gerrard as Mr Wormold who has had German Measles don’t you know and is quick to point this out at any given moment he is asked for an opinion. Without raising this voice his menace was apparent and I loved his expression, he was just mean through and through. He moved slowly and deliberately taking everything in and not missing a trick. So when we got to the scene where the men’s urinals are taken away and he is sat on the toilet eavesdropping I thought I would never breathe again (you probably heard me laughing?!) I also loved the moment the audience need a second to take in what they have just seen before bursting out laughing. Every time this character came on he nailed it - a joy to watch. Thank you, Ryan.

Last but not least is Betty ‘Betty Blue Eyes’ the loveable pig. Well, not if she is in your house granted as Mrs Chilvers can vouch for. Laura Gaskell worked with her in a way that made her come to life. Watching and reacting to what was going on by osmosis so did Betty. Great work.

Well Committee, Cast and Crew must be delighted with this production - Another Little Victory - it’s not many shows I get to see that involve a men’s urinal, singing about bodily fluids, bare feet and someone falling in love with a pig. Thank you for the invite and hospitality from my guest Beverley and I. 

 

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