Review: Betty Blue Eyes at The Union Theatre
Nestled in the heart of London’s Southwark, The Union Theatre continues to delight theater enthusiasts with its intimate and immersive productions. Recently, the stage came alive with the enchanting and heartwarming musical, “Betty Blue Eyes.”
A Theatrical Glimpse into Post-War Britain
| Book by | Ron Cowne & Daniel Lipman |
|---|---|
| Music & Lyrics by | George Stiles & Anthony Drew |
| Venue | The Union Theatre |
| Address | 229 Union Street, London SE1 |
| Performance Dates | Until 22nd April 2023 |
The revival of “Betty Blue Eyes,” based on the 2011 musical adaptation of Alan Bennett’s movie, “A Private Function,” is a testament to Britain’s post-war times. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the royal wedding in 1947, a time when the nation grappled with rationing.
The show’s crown jewel is the eponymous Betty, a pig set to be the centrepiece of a grand dinner. This Betty, brought to life as a stuffed toy with dazzling blue eyes, stands as a vast improvement from the previous West End version’s animatronic version.
Director Sasha Regan has gathered an enthusiastic large cast that brings vigor to every scene. However, it’s the choreography by Kaspar Cornish that is notably frenzied. His over-athletic routines, replete with dangerous kicks and the audience-directed sausage strings, make for a theatrical spectacle. The set might be less than impressive, but the score and lyrics by George Stiles & Anthony Drew hold their own, even if occasionally faltering.
The leading character, Gilbert Chilvers, portrayed by Sam Kipling, brings to life the world of a man tormented by his ambitious wife, Joyce (Amelia Atherton). Both characters, however, find themselves overshadowed by the delightful portrayal of Mother Dear by Jayne Ashley, who might just be, next to Betty, the most captivating aspect of the play.
Amidst the unfolding drama, Inspector Wormold, played by David Pendlebury, shines as he navigates imposing fines and ensuring rules are upheld. The production overflows with energy, offering its fair share of laughter and a charming score.
Despite its merits, this production of “Betty Blue Eyes” remains reminiscent of its 2011 counterpart—an end-of-the-pier show that sometimes leaves one wishing for a swift conclusion. The musical accompaniment led by Aaron Clingham does justice to the score, although some vocal performances might leave something to be desired. Yet, Betty, maneuvered by Georgia Boothman, remains an absolute joy, even rivaling Miss Piggy in terms of porcine appeal.
As the Union Theatre’s inaugural in-house production, “Betty Blue Eyes” certainly deserves applause, especially given the theatre’s reputation for hosting splendid musical revivals. Yet, as an adaptation of Bennett’s movie, it leaves one desiring a tad more.
Cast & Crew
- Joyce Chilvers: Amelia Atherton;
- Gilbert Chilvers: Sam Kipling;
- Mother Dear: Jayne Ashley;
- Inspector Wormold: David Pendlebury;
- Dr Swaby: Stuart Simons;
- Henry Allardyce: Josh Perry;
- Frances Lockwood: Tom Holt;
- Mr Noble/Sutcliffe: George Dawes;
- Mrs Lester: Jade Marvin;
- Mrs Turnbull: Katie Stasi;
- Mrs Allardyce: Laurel Dougall;
- Mrs Lockwood: Shannon Farrell;
- Vera Bowen: Hannah Lawton;
- Mr Metcalf: Kane Stone;
- Mr Nuttall: Jonny Weston;
- Betty: Georgie Boothman;
- Mrs Roacj: Emma Jane Fearnley;
- Veronica Allardyce: Nellie Regan.Ava Jennings Grant, Coco Bennett;
- Director: Sasha Regan;
- Choreographer: Kasper Cornish;
- Musical Director: Aaron Clingham;
- Designer: Reuben Speed;
- Lighting Designer: Alistair Lindsay;
- Production Photographs: Haela Walshe.
Conclsuion
The magic of the theatre is that it always evolves. While “Betty Blue Eyes” might have its shortcomings, it also possesses undeniable charm. It’s up to the audience to decide which one leaves a lasting impression. You might be interested in Strictly Ballroom Birmingham.