Welcome to Clarence House as The Talisman present Backstairs Billy

Michael Seeley as Billy, Gill Halford as The Queen Mother. Photo by Rob Warner.

Backstairs Billy by Marcelo Dos Santos at The Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth from 13 - 18 April 2026. Directed by Steve Smith.

Preview

The Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre invites audiences behind the doors of the Queen Mother’s official residence, serving you our newest production Backstairs Billy. Marcelo Dos Santos’ script is brought to life by director Steve Smith in a story of rivalries, affairs, chaotic tea parties and one unlikely friendship.   

In the sheltered world of Clarence House, the Queen Mother has appointed her long-serving butler William ‘Billy’ Tallon as her “Page of the Backstairs”– one of the highest honours bestowed on a royal servant. As Billy takes on a young prodigy, Gwydion, he must also fend off Mr Kerr, a jealous private secretary who will stop at nothing to see Billy fall from grace. As events spiral out of control, this hilarious but heartfelt play will attend to your every need. Though set in 1979, Backstairs Billy is a powerful comment on the political present, as well as an uplifting farce to guide us through uncertain times. 

Billy (Michael Seeley) and his younger self played by Laurie Weston. Photo by Rob Warner.

This production features a stellar cast of both Talisman stalwarts and newcomers. Michael Seeley takes on the title role of Billy, with Gill Halford as the Queen Mother. They are supported by an ensemble featuring Jack Ives as Gwydion, Mike Tildesley as Kerr, Benru Greene making his Talisman debut as Ian, and many more fantastic performers. The cast bring both the play’s unstoppable humour and deep cultural relevance to the forefront, exploring themes of freedom, etiquette, rebellion, sexuality and companionship.

Sydney-born playwright Marcelo Dos Santos is known for his impactful, comedic explorations of life as a gay man. His Edinburgh Fringe triumph Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen was followed up with Backstairs Billy, an instant West End hit that won him a Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for “Most Promising Playwright”. His continued work for stage and screen sees him bring a vast array of “messy people and situations” to audiences across the globe.

This show comes to Kenilworth hot off the press. First performed in 2023 in a production featuring Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans, Backstairs Billy is now in the hands of the Talisman’s co-artistic director Steve Smith. Having joined the Talisman acting troupe in the late 1970s (whisper it quietly!), Steve now works tirelessly alongside Stephen Duckham to bring nine high-quality amateur theatre shows to Kenilworth every year.

Gwydion (Jack Ives), Queen Mother (Gill Halford) and Billy (Michael Seeley). Photo Rob Warner.

Reflecting on his latest assignment directing Backstairs Billy, Steve tells us: "We were delighted to get our hands on this extraordinary play so soon after its release. It contains everything that we as a theatre like to provide our audiences with: organised chaos, heartfelt interactions and a fair few surprises! Whether you love your job or are a bit more of a party animal, whether you’ve devoted your whole life to one thing or have just sought shelter from the world around you, I think this show proves that there’s a bit of Billy in all of us."     

If you are looking for a laughter-filled evening in a tender and poignant production, then don’t delay in booking your tickets! The show is recommended for ages 15+ at parents’ discretion. One can book one’s tickets now by heading to the Talisman website. We look forward to opening the doors of Clarence House and inviting you in!      

For tickets please contact the Box Office on 01926 856548 or visit: https://talismantheatre.co.uk/whats-on/backstairs-billy/