IF YOU love outrageous and as-far-from-PC-as-it-gets comedy and want to watch a fascinating story, based on true events, unfold -Backstairs Billy at Droitwich’s Norbury Theatre is for you.
It is based on the life of the Queen Mother’s most treasured butler William Tallon who – after repeatedly writing to Her Majesty – landed a job at Clarence House at the age of just 15.
With questionable morals and lifestyle choices (and that’s an understatement), he remained with the late monarch until her death, despite many scandals filling the pages of the tabloids in the 1970s and 1980s.
All this is brought to life in this beautifully written piece – but it takes a talented cast to bring the writing to life and All and Sundry’s ten-strong line-up at the Norbury did just that.
The Cast
With four members of palace staff and 13 other roles, several members were tasked with playing at least two parts.
Senior footman – Beth Ralley – and the palace staff Verity Culleton, Tina Andress, Rueben Whitter and Jess Buttery – all set the scene of a royal household brilliantly in carefully choreographed scenes of them pacing around and moving floral displays and other items, ready for Her Majesty and her reception guests.
Buttery was also wonderful as sitcom actress Annabel Maud who has one too many in the Queen Mother’s presence and, a similarly exuberant character, Lady ‘Miffie’ Astlebury.
Whitter also plays artist Ian and enjoys sharing some of the most hilarious scenes at the end of the first act with his late night rendez-vous with Billy and in the second act with his rather suggestive sculpture. And he conveys the only political/social comment in the piece which is made even more powerful because of its uniqueness in the production.
Andress and John Edward-Bick are great as Hugo and Lady Adeline but even funnier as the straight-laced, tee-total but then ‘literally laced’ WI member and Rotarian Mr and Mrs Harrington Bahr. Playing drunk characters is not as easy as it looks – they both smashed it (pun intended).
Charlie Hopkins rose to the challenge of naive Welsh footman Gwydion – he played the part well and his highlight came when he broke into booming song with a traditional hymn – much to the bemusement of the Queen Mother.
Ken Messenger presented the pompous Mr Kerr with aplomb. He is the ‘baddie’ in this tale and the way Messenger played him, you just wanted the brilliant bastion to be taken down a peg or two.
Cullerton was excellent as Young Billy – she brought some terrific touching moments between the character and Her Majesty among all the crazy comedy.
It is hard to pick between Martina Ponsonby and James Ralley as The Queen Mother as Billy.
They had a fantastic rapport on stage – which is exactly how you envisaged their relationship in real life.
Ponsonby was born to play The Queen Mother. Care was taken with every beautifully delivered line and mannerism. There was plenty of humour as she showed her late monarch’s mischievous side, laughing lots and making observations on other royals and guests. But, there was also pathos performed perfectly as well, as she reflected on her life and her new ‘sidelined’ role.
Each time she appeared through those double doors, you felt a rush of anticipation about what she was going to say or do next.
And Ralley paced around Clarence House like he owned the place (just how you would imagine William Tallon would have).
Like Ponsonby, every movement, line and detail was carefully crafted and you could not help love Backstairs Billy from the start.
A shout-out as well to the controller of the radio controlled corgi – there cannot be many shows with one of those in.
In each of the acts, the comedy started with giggles and titters and reached a crescendo of hilarity.
Huge congratulations to Director Anthony Madden and his backstage team for this right Royal raucous romp of a production.
Backstairs Billy runs at the Norbury Theatre from Tuesday to Saturday (October 7 to 11) with performances at 7.30pm.
Visit: norburytheatre.co.uk or call 01905 770154 for more information and tickets.
I challenge you not to leave the auditorium Googling the incredible life and times of the notorious William Tallon.
