REVIEW: Betty Blue Eyes on the Union Theatre

Craving a slice of Northern attraction? Then look no additional than the borough of Southwark, and to the solid of Betty Blue Eyes, presently showing on the Union Theatre! 

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

As a proud Northerner and common seat filler on the Union Theatre, I used to be eager to snap up a ticket to Press Night to witness the present’s first revival first-hand. When stepping by way of the theatre threshold time machine again to England in 1947, I used to be immediately impressed with how the area had been remodeled to create an efficient, and multi-purpose backdrop for this story. For such an intimate venue, the inventive workforce have to be counseled for his or her design.

The solid, which was surprisingly huge in dimension beams with enthusiasm, wit, and keenness. Whilst some solid members tended to ham it up a little bit an excessive amount of (pun meant!) and may benefit from dialling down power to search out higher depth and peaks and valleys within the tone of the present, I can’t fault the dedication displayed, and their clear love and celebration for his or her artwork. Due to this power, at instances parts of the efficiency felt considerably rushed or not sure, nonetheless, I’ve little doubt that after the solid will get right into a collaborative rhythm, they may have the ability to lean into the sentiment of the story totally.

A real stand out for the present are leads Sam Kipling (Gilbert Chilvers) and Amelia Atherton (Joyce Chilvers), every of whom delivered stellar performances, and acted because the charming nostalgic glue that held the solid collectively delightfully. Credit, particularly, have to be given to their vocals, which blended fantastically in unison and packed a punch as a standalone.

Additionally, credit score ought to be given to George Dawes (Mr Noble/Sutcliffe) who successfully delivered a number of roles with versatility, humour, and shining characterisation.

During the efficiency, there have been a number of technical difficulties, particularly with sound and lighting. Personally, that is one thing I’ve grown to count on in a fringe area, and I really feel it considerably provides to the tough and prepared attraction of an off-West End fringe manufacturing. However, in full firm numbers, I feel the manufacturing may benefit from revisiting the location of lead vocalists, and there have been a number of events the place I sadly missed lyrics because of competing backing vocals and the band.

Overall, the manufacturing is an interesting deal with, with highlights of magnificence, campery, humour and an abundance of zest. It is a shining instance of how large-scale musicals will be efficiently tailored and reimagined for small levels, but nonetheless, carry key messages and themes all through. If you fancy your fill of fringe theatre, head on down to go to Betty!

Review by Adam Tipping

Rating: ★★★

Price of Ticket: £25