Betty Blue Eyes

CCADS

Station Theatre, Hayling Island

Adapted from Alan Bennett and Malcolm Mowbray’s film A Private Function, set in ration-blighted post-war Yorkshire, Stiles and Drewe’s witty songs gave the story a new lease of life.

John-Paul McCrohon was predictably assured as chiropodist Gilbert Chilvers, adored by his customers but hen-pecked by wife Joyce, equally impressively played by real-life spouse Kerry.

Their journey from being ‘nobody’ to ‘somebody’ takes an unexpected turn courtesy of a pig. Expertly operated by Sally Goddard (experienced in such matters in Avenue Q), Betty is no ham actor.

Society regulars Matt Sackman, Danny Owen and Tony Dart give great support as the self-satisfied pillars of local society, planning an exclusive, secret, banquet, but Peter Colley (Ministry man Mr Wormold) and Sheila Birt (Mother Dear) stole every scene.

The tight harmonies from the trios and ensemble were another feature and Louise Helyer’s quartet again provided the perfect accompaniment to what was a crackling good show.

Alan Johns