Betty Blue Eyes

Last night was a first for me as I had never seen this musical before and therefore didn’t know what to expect. What I got was a well directed and choreographed piece of entertainment. The audience reaction suggested that they also appreciated it.

There was some very strong chorus singing accompanied by slick chorography but, for me, the musical highlights came in the close harmony ensembles featuring Anita Hughes(Mrs Roach), Heather Higgins(Mrs Lester) and Katy Ball(Mrs Turnbull) and those displaying the talents of Andrew Bird(Lockwood), Ian Shephard (Allardyce), Simon Docherty(Swaby) and Connor Bacon(Gilbert). This group was supplemented in some numbers by Craig Smith ((Sergeant Noble), Carl Banks (Sutcliffe) and Geoff Bird (Wormold). Geoff was particularly effective as the unpleasant, unreasonable government inspector. There was further impressive harmony singing from the girl trio of Claire Miller, Gemma Rowe and Eleanor Shephard. The story centres on Gilbert Chilvers played by Connor Bacon and his wife Joyce Chilvers played by Ruth Harvey as they struggle to become accepted in the community. Both of them showed their all round ability as singers and actors. Trish Humphries (Mother Dear) provided plenty of laughs along the way. I mustn’t forget that Betty Blue Eyes is a pig. In this case it is a puppet superbly brought to life Eleanor Shephard.

The whole show was well supported by the orchestra, authentic costumes, innovative set and well used sound and lighting.

Well done to all concerned!

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