IT’S A return to 1940s austerity Britain at the Ilkley Playhouse in July, when we’ll be welcoming – among others – showgirls, soldiers, music, humour and dancing, not to mention a pig. Yes, we’re very excited to bring you the musical Betty Blue Eyes. The Playhouse is honoured to produce the first UK amateur performance of this dazzling, funny and very British musical.

The history of Betty Blue Eyes has strong Ilkley ties. The film is it based on, A Private Function, was filmed largely in Ilkley and Ben Rhydding and featured many locals as extras – indeed, some Playhouse members appear on screen.

The film was scripted by Alan Bennett and Malcolm Mowbray and starred Michel Palin and Maggie Smith, along with other big names including Denholm Elliott, Alison Steadman, Richard Griffiths, Liz Smith, and Pete Postlethwaite.

The story has been cleverly adapted for the stage by Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman, while George Stiles and Anthony Drewe contribute an infectious, catchy, retro-contemporary score. Betty Blue Eyes premiered in the West End in 2011, picking up an Olivier award nomination for Best New Musical. It starred Reece Shearsmith (of League of Gentlemen notoriety) and Sarah Lancashire, and won rave reviews for its energetic, uplifting feel.

Set in 1947 in the fictional Yorkshire town of Shepardsford, the story sees humble chiropodist Gilbert Chivers struggling to bring home the bacon in post-war austerity Britain. Belts still tightened, the country’s long-suffering citizens are told that there will – eventually – be a fair share for all after austerity. Meanwhile, of course, officials merrily feather their own nests with impunity.

As the phrase goes, having won the war Britain seemed to have lost the peace, the country staggering under the burden of rationing, unemployment and the coldest winter for decades. The only bright spark on the horizon is the impending marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, an event which Gilbert’s ambitious wife Joyce is keen to attend – by fair means or foul! Spam, snobbery and pig-napping all feature in the comical proceedings that ensue.

Betty Blue Eyes will be our biggest production this year. It features a large cast, with suitably grand musical numbers and impressive period costumes. Our wardrobe team are full steam ahead organising, mending, and tweaking the hundred-plus costumes the show demands – there’s everything from showgirls to soldiers, with more than one costume surprise.

It’s a joyous, uplifting show, and a perfect vehicle for the talent that we’re proud to have at the Playhouse. Both on- and off-stage, in front of the curtain and behind the scenes, you will see and feel the expertise and enthusiasm of all involved. Speaking from first-hand experience, anyone that hears even a snatch of music coming from rehearsals will walk around grinning long afterwards. So join Betty and friends for a feel-good musical treat!

Betty Blue Eyes runs from July 4 to 16. Tickets are already selling well, so book early.

In the meantime, for a very different kind of theatrical treat, why not see our latest Fringe production, The Dumb Waiter. An early work by Harold Pinter, it is a tight, humorous and thoughtful piece, addressing power dynamics and the nature of relationships.

A deeply political play, it exposes the destructiveness of betrayal. Pinter infamously leaves plays' messages open to interpretation, inviting the audience to find its own find meaning. It’s a curious blend of absurdity and farce, and a tricky play to talk about without giving too much away. So don’t read about it, just come along and experience it!

The Dumb Waiter runs from June 22 to 25 and will be staged in our intimate and more avant-garde performance space, The Wildman Studio.

To book your ticket for Betty Blue Eyes, The Dumb Waiter or any of our events, visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or call 01943 609539. You can follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest news, reviews and pictures.