Marcelo Dos Santos' new play Backstairs Billy officially opened at London's Duke of York's Theatre November 7, and the reviews are rolling in. The production began performances October 27 and will run through January 27, 2024.
The comedy, directed by Michael Grandage, explores a pivotal moment in the 50-year relationship between the Queen Mother and her loyal servant William Billy” Tallon.
Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans star as the Queen Mother and Billy, respectively. They are joined by Emily Barber, Iwan Davies, Ian Drysdale, Ilan Galkoff, Eloka Ivo, Michael Simkins, and Nicole Sloane with David Buttle, Amy Newton, Keanu Adolphus Johnson, Georgie Rhys, and Jacob Ethan Tanner.
Read the reviews here.
The Independent (Alice Saville)
The Telegraph (Dominic Cavendish)
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Playbill will continue to update this list as reviews come in.
The play is set in 1979 Britain as strikes are bringing the country to its knees under Margaret Thatcher. Still, it's business as usual for the Queen Mother and her loyal servant Billy. Two worlds collide with dizzying consequences.
The production features set design by Christopher Oram, costume design by Christopher Oram and Tom Rand, lighting design by Ryan Day, music and sound design by Adam Cork, costume supervision by Mary Charlton, and wigs, hair, and makeup design by Carole Hancock. Casting is by Jacob Sparrow. Sophie Drake serves as associate director.
Visit BackstairsBilly.com.
