Thursday 12 May 2011

Betty Blue Eyes **** TNT

With big blue eyes and coyly fluttering lashes, animatronic porker Betty is a definite scene-stealer in this musical adaptation of Alan Bennett’s 1984 comedy screenplay, “A Private Function.”

She’s not the only treat on the menu when the Yorkshire bigwigs’ illicit celebrations for a royal wedding in 1947 austerity Britain are sabotaged by kindly chiropodist Gilbert (Reece Shearsmith) and his socially disgruntled wife (Sarah Lancashire).

There’s a hissable zealot in the shape of Adrian Scarborough’s fanatical meat inspector and rueful acknowledgement of the aftermath of war.

And with its zappy choreography, witty lyrics set to catchy numbers, and fleshed-out performances from a cast better known as actors than singers, Richard Eyre’s deft production proves excellent entertainment, despite Betty’s protesting squeals when it’s time for her to be turned into bacon.


Novello Aldwych WC2B 4LD Tube: Charing Cross (0844 482 5170) delfontmackintosh.co.uk bettyblueeyesthemusical.com Currently booking to 22nd October (£17.50 - £59.50)


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