Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans to star new comedy Backstairs Billy in West End
Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans are to star in a brand new comedy play in London’s West End.
Penned by Marcelo Dos Santos, Backstairs Billy will run at the Duke of York’s Theatre from 27 October 2023 – 27 January 2024. Tickets are on sale now here.
The show explores a pivotal moment in the 50 year relationship between the Queen Mother and her loyal servant William ‘Billy’ Tallon.
Downton Abbey star Penelope Wilton will play the Queen Mother while Beauty and the Beast’s Luke Evans will play the title role of Billy in the production, directed by Michael Grandage.
Book Backstairs Billy tickets here »
Joining them are Emily Barber, Iwan Davies, Ian Drysdale, Ilan Galkoff, Eloka Ivo, Michael Simkins, Nicole Sloane, with David Buttle, Amy Newton, Keanu Adolphus Johnson, Georgie Rhys and Jacob Ethan Tanner.
Set in 1979, when strikes are bringing the country to its knees and Britain is about to seismically change under Margaret Thatcher, it is business as usual for the Queen Mother and Billy inside Clarence House.
Receptions are in full swing and the champagne is flowing as the two worlds start to collide with dizzying consequences.
The production has set design and co-costume design by Christopher Oram, co-costume design by Tom Ran, lighting design by Ryan Day, music and sound design by Adam Cork, wigs, hair & make-up design by Carole Hancock and casting by Jacob Sparrow with associate direction by Sophie Drake and costume supervision by Mary Charlton.
Director Grandage said: “It is always a great moment to celebrate the birth of a new comedy in the West End and particularly from an important new voice such as Marcelo Dos Santos. I am thrilled to be working again with Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans alongside a cast of twelve other actors as we bring an exciting new play to the stage this autumn and over the Christmas period ahead.”
For more information, visit backstairsbilly.com
