New Cameron Mackintosh Musical

Sir Cameron Mackintosh is producing a new musical called Betty Blue Eyes which is based on Alan Bennett's comedy film A Private Function. It is supposedly in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee which will occur the following year.

The film starred Maggie Smith and Michael Palin and  is set in post-war England telling the story of a small town organising a street party to celebrate the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip. But rationing is still in effect and the townsfolk must hide a pig which will provide the centrepiece for their wedding feast. There were three pigs used in the filiming - all called Betty - hence the name of the musical.

Betty Blue Eyes has been put together by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, who Mackintosh has worked with in the past. The musical will start rehearsals in early 2011, open at the West Yorkshire Playhouse for a four-week run and then transfer into one of Mackintosh’s West End theatres by Easter 2011.