REVIEW: Betty Blue Eyes at the Union Theatre

Craving a slice of Northern charm? Then look no further than the borough of Southwark, and to the cast of Betty Blue Eyes, currently appearing at the Union Theatre! 

The show, created by George Styles and Anthony Drewe first appeared in London’s West End at the Novello Theatre back in 2011, starring Sarah Lancashire and Reece Shearsmith. Now, the wholesome tale returns to one of London’s most beloved fringe theatre venues with this small-scale revival directed by Sasha Regan.

With shortages of food, financial troubles and burdens, and a Royal occasion on the horizon, you’d almost think that this tale is set in April 2023! The difference? In this tale, the only thing people will be pigging out on is spam! Oh, and did I mention? At the story's heart is an adorable pig with sapphire blue eyes called Betty... and no, I’m not telling porkies!

10 shows that closed too soon...

The 2006 Broadway revival production of A Chorus Line was brought over to London's West End in February 2013 and it had previously been announced that the show would only play a limited run at the London Palladium. After receiving numerous 4 ad 5 star reviews and being named 'Timless and Thrilling' by the Dail Mail the show closed the following August after previously booking until January 2014. The show takes a behind-the-scenes look at 17 hopefuls auditioning for just eight places in a new Broadway musical, it has a book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Date, with music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban. The production will reportedly embark on a European tour before returning to the UK for a tour "beginning in autumn 2014".

Cameron Mackintosh's first original musical in over a decade was Betty Blue Eyes, opening at the Novello Theatre in April 2011 but closed the following September. The show is set in a Yorkshire village after the Second World War, where rationing presents a challenge for the locals who want to celebrate the Queen's Royal wedding to Prince Philip in style. Looking to slaughter an illegally raised pig (a blue-eyed creature named Betty) for the event, chaos ensues when the sow is stolen and a food inspector arrives, determined to stop such activities. The musical features a book by Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman with music and lyrics by  George Stile and Anthony Drewe. The show is currently touring the UK.