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1979, Inside Clarence House, The Queen Mother’s receptions are in full swing and the champagne is flowing. Guiding the proceedings is William ‘Billy’ Tallon, holder of the royal corgis and Her Majesty’s loyal servant.
Outside, strikes are bringing the country to its knees and Britain is on the verge of changing seismically under Margaret Thatcher.
These two worlds are about to collide with dizzying consequences…..
Book your royal appointment today.
Age restriction
To be confirmed.Running time
To be confirmed.Performance dates
27 October 2023 - 27 January 2024Access
Captioned: 23 November. Audio Described: 29 November. BSL: To be confirmed.Venue Information
Duke of Yorks TheatreSt Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4BGRecent Reviews
Latest Backstairs Billy News
News / Interviews
Backstage at Backstairs Billy
We’ve made like our favourite Christmas Cracker joke and turned into a couple of Mince Spies, going behind the scenes at Backstairs Billy to get the lowdown on the royal event of the year. Emily Barber has been our inside accomplice, and who better to talk to us about the show than someone who stars in it, twice. The Bridgerton actor plays not one, but two roles in the critically acclaimed production, portraying Annabel Maud and Lady Astlebury.
Annabel Maud is the star of one of Her Majesty’s favourite TV shows, which is ironic as Penelope Wilton, who plays the Queen Mother, is the star of some of Barber’s favourite films and shows ‘you can’t help but treat her like she’s royalty.’
Barber also admires Luke Evans, who played her fiancé in the brilliant Netflix series The Alienist, 'when I read this play, he was the first person that came to my mind, which is fascinating. Once I found out I was like, I should be a casting director! He is perfect for the role and it’s been really lovely being in the room with him'.
As well as enjoying her co-stars’ company, Barber also gets a thrill from The Village People, Nat King Cole and the prospect of a PJ day…
18 Dec, 2023 | By Sian McBride
News / Interviews / New Shows + Transfers
Interview with Backstairs Billy playwright Marcelo Dos Santos
2023 has been a right royal year! We’ve had a coronation, a royal baby and even a tell-all memoir! Don’t pack away that bunting and relegate the commemorative plates to the cupboards just yet, as the crowning glory in this year’s royal calendar will be taking place next month, and you are cordially invited.
Hailed as an ‘important new voice’ by director Michael Grandage, Marcelo Dos Santos latest play explores the complex relationship between the Queen Mother and her loyal steward, William “Billy” Tallon. The production, which stars Luke Evans and Penelope Wilton, centres around a pivotal point in their 50-year friendship, where strikes are bringing Britain to its knees and the class divide is growing by the minute.
We sat down with the award-winning playwright ahead of his West End debut, to discuss the challenges in depicting such iconic characters for stage, his subconscious miming abilities, and why chocolate is just as important as a laptop (or notebook) when writing for theatre.
14 Sep, 2023 | By Sian McBride