Stiles & Drewe’s Betty Blue Eyes to open at Novello next April

The new Stiles & Drewe musical Betty Blue Eyes which is based on Alan Bennett’s 1984 film A Private Function is now rumoured to be coming  straight into the West End, possibly with its world premiere in mid-April 2011at the Novello Theatre (owned by the show’s producer Cameron Mackintosh).  It was previously thought that it might first be “tried out” at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Casting is now under way with  Sarah Lancashire and Reece Shearsmith already signed up to star in the roles originated by Maggie Smith and Michael Palin, while the supporting cast will include Adrian Scarborough making his musical theatre debut.

The story is set in a Yorkshire village after World War II where rationing presents a challenge for the locals who want to celebrate a Royal wedding. Betty Blue Eyes is the name of the infamous pig.

The musical will be directed by Richard Eyre and choreographed by Stephen Mear, with designs by Tim Hatley.