”Betty Blue Eyes” is heading back to the London stage
Exclusive: Stiles and Drewe’s Betty Blue Eyes musical will be revived in London for the first time this spring.
Based on Alan Bennett and Malcolm Mowbray’s film A Private Function and featuring a book by Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman, the show is set in Yorkshire during the post-World War II food rationing times, shortly before the Royal Wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, where a pig named Betty is being illegally reared for a local celebratory banquet. The West End premiere received nominations for Best New Musical at both the Olivier and WhatsOnStage Awards.
Stiles & Drewe commented: “Betty was one of the most enjoyable shows of our 40-year career, both to write, develop and to have produced. We are thrilled that she’ll be able to bat her blue eyes once more at the Union Theatre, as our new King takes to the throne, the city will once again be buzzing with street parties and very Private Functions. Not seen in London since her run at the Novello Theatre in 2011, three cheers and welcome back, Betty!”
Under the direction of Sasha Regan, the creative team also includes choreographer Kasper Cornish, designer Reuben Speed and casting director Adam Braham.
Produced by Regan and Stuart Simons, the piece marks the first in-house production at the Union Theatre since the pandemic. Casting will be revealed in due course.
Original West End producer Cameron Mackintosh recently revealed his desire to adapt the stage musical into a film with Sarah Lancashire reprising her leading role as Joyce.
Betty Blue Eyes is scheduled to run from 29 March to 22 April 2023, with a press night set for 4 April.
