We are most amused with Backstairs Billy
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Backstairs Billy by Marcelo Dos Santos at The Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre, Kenilworth from 13 - 18 April 2026. Directed by Steve Smith.
Review by Ashley Hayward.
Much of the action in this delightful comedy takes back in 1979 when the so called ‘winter of discontent’ with all its divisions and industrial strife finally ended with Margaret Thatcher sweeping into power. The script concerns the class spanning dynamic between Elizabeth the Queen Mother and her long serving servant William (Billy) Tallon.
There is a flashback to the 1950’s when the Queen Mum was widowed and we meet the 15-year-old Billy who came from a humble Coventry background and had a fascination with the Royal Family, frequently writing to the Palace asking for a job. Laurie Weston nicely plays the youthful Billy as very respectful and eager to please and he immediately made a favourable impression on Her Majesty.
Gill Halford gives a convincing performance as the nation’s favourite grandmother and portrays her as humorous, quick witted and warm although she does have the occasional hissy fit. We also see how she had to cope with increasing solitude and feelings of loneliness as she no longer had many of her royal duties to perform. Some pleasure is brought into her life by enjoying her favourite tipple, watching telly, reading magazines and through her relationship with Billy, her loyal and long-serving servant.
Michael Seeley plays the gay Billy as an extremely camp, likeable rogue who is cheeky, mischievous and entertaining. The Queen Mother really appreciates his company especially when he performs impersonations of both Princess Margaret and Prince Charles! There are similarities between the relationship which has been portrayed between Queen Victoria and her personal attendant John Brown.
As a result of this close relationship, his lengthy service and his esteemed position as Page of the Back Stairs, Billy is able to get away with things, and a blind eye is turned to some of his behaviours including entertaining some of his gay friends. However, there is an inevitable clash between Billy and the Queen Mother’s personal secretary Mr Kerr. Mike Tildesley plays him as suitably snooty, pompous and conservative. Mr Kerr resents the influence of Billy and delights in telling him that he will never belong to the elite.
This is a very compelling and racy comedy which at times borders on farce particularly when one of Billy’s boyfriends, Ian (Glenn May) comes crashing in on a reception provided for several dignitaries including the Crown Prince of Lichtenstein! Marcelo Dos Santos’s excellent script also contains several surprising and totally unexpected moments.
With fine performances from the supporting cast and a very authentic looking set and costumes, the play certainly captures the UK of the late 70’s and 80’s. However, with its central themes of class inequalities, etiquette, companionship, and attitudes to sexuality it has much relevance to the troubled and divided world of 2026.
If Her Majesty had the opportunity to watch the play herself, I’m sure Ma’am would have been amused!
For tickets go to: https://talismantheatre.co.uk/
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