Backstairs Billy West End

Backstairs Billy 2023

Ages: 14+
Opened: November 7, 2023
Closing: January 27, 2024

Backstairs Billy - 2023 - West End History , Info & More

Duke of York's Theatre
St Martin's Ln, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4BG, United Kingdom London WC2N 4BG

Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey, Ever Decreasing Circles) and Luke Evans (Beauty and the Beast, Nine Perfect Strangers) star in Marcelo Dos Santos’ hilarious new comedy Backstairs Billy, directed by Tony and Olivier award-winning director Michael Grandage.

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.

__Access Performances__

Captioned: 23rd November 7.30pm

Audio Described: 29th November 7.30pm

BSL: TBC

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Backstairs Billy

Backstairs Billy, Duke of York's Theatre review - starry and gently subversive, too
8 / 10

The performances could not be better. I last saw Evans on this same stage in Rent Remixed, but nothing in my experience of him so far suggested the layers of feeling that he brings to this sleekly coiffed purveyor of bravado whose ego gets rather dramatically punctured. Time away from theatre may have made Evans a film name, but seems also to have amplified his connection to the stage. Wilton returns often to the theatre and deserves credit for a portrait that is light on its feet, not least in the various scenes in which the Queen Mother and Billy come together to dance. (Note a fascinating programme interview between the costume designers about capturing the necessary sartorial look.) Entirely aware of 'people like you' (that's to say, gay), the Queen Mother is all tolerance, but only up to a point. And those who might dismiss Backstairs Billy as so much heightened gossip would do well to heed its warning about societal divides that on this evidence can never be breached.

A royal romp you won't want to miss
8 / 10

Michael Grandage’s production allows Wilton to showcase her impeccable comedic style and she delivers her lines with precision and wit. Each joke lands with the audience and she brilliantly humanises the Queen Mother. Wilton and Evans are a delightful duo, bouncing off each other effortlessly.

Save up to 56% on BACKSTAIRS BILLY, Starring Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans
by Aliya Al-Hassan - January 9, 2024


Tickets from just £15 for Backstairs Billy-saving up to 56%!

Boxing Day Sale: Tickets From £25 for BACKSTAIRS BILLY
by Aliya Al-Hassan - December 29, 2023


Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey, Ever Decreasing Circles) and Luke Evans (Beauty and the Beast, Nine Perfect Strangers) star in Marcelo Dos Santos’ hilarious new comedy Backstairs Billy, directed by Tony and Olivier award-winning director Michael Grandage.

Show Of The Week: Tickets from £30 for BACKSTAIRS BILLY, Starring Luke Evans and Penelope Wilton
by Aliya Al-Hassan - November 27, 2023


Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey, Ever Decreasing Circles) and Luke Evans (Beauty and the Beast, Nine Perfect Strangers) star in Marcelo Dos Santos’ hilarious new comedy Backstairs Billy, directed by Tony and Olivier award-winning director Michael Grandage.

Review: BACKSTAIRS BILLY, Duke of York's Theatre
by Laura Jones - November 8, 2023


As the curtain rises, we’re met with a sea of pink – pink damask walls and heavy pink velvet curtains, with pink and white flowers adorning every available surface. This is the Garden Room at Clarence House (brilliantly designed by Christopher Oram), and the year is 1979.

Review Roundup: BACKSTAIRS BILLY, Starring Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans
by Nicole Rosky - November 8, 2023


Michael Grandage Company just celebrated opening night of Marcelo Dos Santos’ new comedy Backstairs Billy which looks at a pivotal moment in the 50 year relationship between the Queen Mother and her loyal servant William “Billy” Tallon. Michael Grandage directs Penelope Wilton as the Queen Mother and Luke Evans as Billy.

Backstairs Billy FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Backstairs Billy have there been?
Backstairs Billy has had 1 productions including West End which opened in 2023.
How long has Backstairs Billy been running on the West End?
Backstairs Billy opened at the Duke of York's Theatre on Tuesday Nov 07, 2023 and has now been running for 2 months.
What theatre is Backstairs Billy playing at on the West End?
Backstairs Billy is playing at the Duke of York's Theatre, which is located at St Martin's Ln, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4BG, United Kingdom London.

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