Betty Blue Eyes

Perth College

Book by Ron Cowan and Daniel Lipman, Music by George Styles, Lyrics by Anthony Drewe. Directed by Tyler Jones. Judith Cottier Theatre, Perth College, My Lawley, WA. Mar 14-16, 2024

Perth College presented the WA Premiere of the very British musical, Betty Blue Eyes. Beautifully presented, with excellent production values, it was enthusiastically received by capacity audiences in this large auditorium.

Based on the film A Private Function, Betty Blue Eyes is set in a Yorkshire town in 1947. Amidst post-war rationing and austerity, people are looking forward to the impending nuptials of Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth, but while citizens are being told to tighten their belts, local officials are taking more than their share, and secretly raising an unregistered pig to consume at a very “private function”.

The title role, Betty Blue Eyes, is a gorgeous pig puppet created by Ian Tregonning, and operated with beautiful emotion by Amelia Jones, sweetly costumed in the style of a Land Girl. (Hey Spare Parts and others – this young lady is very talented.)

Lovely work in the leading roles. Ari Range embodies unassuming chiropodist Gilbert Chilvers, with depth, while Klara Kuhn gives warmth and vivaciousness to his wife Joyce, desperate to be “A Somebody”. Both sing beautifully and have great chemistry. Completing their family is Hannah McCarthy as Mother Dear (she’s 84), who has excellent comic timing.

Plenty of questionable characters in this fun show, with Javert-like Inspector Wormwold, played with flair by Ashton Birks, leading the charge. A great trio in town leaders Dr Swaby (Charles Sherrington), Francis Lockwood (Kai Ehlers) and Henry Allardyce (Zachary Mclean) – out for themselves with outstanding teamwork.

Henry’s affection for pig Betty is beautifully created by Zachary, while Libby Mazzella is lovely as his snobbish spouse, and Nadia di Silvio relishes the standout role of bratty daughter Veronica.

Isabelle Winter was impressive as WPS Noble (great to have a female police sergeant at a time when they were just coming into their element). Walter Gittens was great as Butchers Metcalf and Nuttall. Alexis Dagostino was loveable as farmer Sutcliffe, with Erica Schweitzer finding some great moments as the Hotel Manager, while Jinx Cuddihy and Emilee Menzel played character roles well. Stella Freeman brought poise and dignity to Princess Elizabeth, well supported by Piper Harrison as Prince Phillip. Dance Captain Charlotte Cherry stole the show for a brief moment as the ill-fated Kitty.

Lots of distinctive village ladies made their mark, with strong performances from Elizabeth Kelly, Addi Blizzard, Genevieve Franzen, Sofia Bandini, Olivia Henry, Aliza Chopping and Mia Capelli.

A featured vocal ensemble of seven, specialised dance chorus of eleven, and 46-member chorus all delivered their best work, while the show was accompanied by a mixed student and staff orchestra. Students also crewed the show, under student Stage Manager Victoria Mok, and were responsible for the excellent hair and makeup under the guidance of makeup designer Manuao TeAotonga.

A beautiful, multi-level and moving set was created by Matt Brown and Ian Tregonning – which was spectacularly lit. Costumes, by designer Krystal Meek, were superb.

A top tier school production, of which Perth College should be very proud. 

Kimberley Shaw