IT'S 1947 with rationing very much in force and austerity the watchword of the day. Despite Prime Minister Clement Atlee promising "fair shares for all" the residents of Shepardsford in Yorkshire are finding that is far from the truth.

This situation forms the setting for the latest musical being staged by Christchurch-based theatre group, Theatre 2000, "Betty Blue Eyes" at the Regent Centre, Christchurch until Saturday May 21.

The musical is based on a film called "A Private Function" with a screenplay by Alan Bennett and starring Maggie Smith and Michael Palin which appeared on our screens in 1985. It was adapted for the stage in 2011 by Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman with music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe who had just completed writing extra songs for the stage version of "Mary Poppins".

The musical "Betty Blue Eyes", full of glorious melodies and great comic moments, first saw the light of day in the West End where it starred Sarah Lancashire and Reese Shearsmith.

In Theatre 2000's version of the musical the town's elite, who comprise the town council, are planning a private function to commemorate the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. But not everyone is being invited. Included in the townspeople being spurned are the mild-mannered chiropodist Gilbert Chilvers and his wife, Joyce who tends to have ideas above her station.

They live with Joyce's mother, known throughout the piece as Mother Dear who spends her life moaning and generally being hungry.

The rationing of meat also causes the town councillors a problem. How can they find enough meat to serve the fine pork roast they are planning to the 150 guests who are being invited to the feast?

Performances at 7.30pm with a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday.

Tickets are available online at www.regentcentre.co.uk by phone on 01202 499199 or in person at the Regent Centre box office priced £15, concessions £14.