Tower and Town, March 2024 (view the full edition)Arts ReviewAt the start of January, I saw Backstairs Billy at The Duke of York Theatre in the heart of London's West End. Backstairs Billy is the unusual story of the infamous William Tallon, who, as Tatler rather nicely put it, was the 'fabulously camp, larger-than-life character in a dashing tailcoat and starched white shirt, who was the Queen Mother's devoted servant for 51 years'. The Welsh singer and star-of-the-screen Luke Evans played Billy opposite acting legend, Dame Penelope Wilton, as the Queen Mother. Set in 1979, the play is loaded with internal friction, as well as political, social and economic tension. The story spotlights Billy's duty and companionship to the Queen Mother, but also exposes his vulnerability and questions of loyalty when he suddenly finds himself on the brink of being ousted from Clarence House. Evans and Wilton performed these roles with style, grace and panache. Wilton's performance was tender, articulate - and funny! Evans commanded the role of Billy with equal amounts of tenderness and humour, but also certainty, fortitude and authority. The play was risqué, but not vulgar or obscene. It wasn't shocking, but it was, to a certain extent, daring. The pacing at times seemed a little hesitant but overall this was a focussed, sharp production that had at the centre of its story a tale about friendship and forgiveness. It also had real corgis! Despite its fairly short run, this is a production that should it return or go on tour is one to watch. Blockbuster exhibitions and some shows to see this year:
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