Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester – until 14th January 2023
Reviewed by Peter Cockerill
5*****
I doubt any performer would not be familiar with rehearsing in a village hall. Even the stars of TV’s Strictly can often be seen honing their moves atop of a badminton court, preparing for the final show with all it’s sparkle and glamour. So ‘BETTY A Sort of Musical’ begins with the Dewsbury Amateur Players’ weekly meeting in this most minimal setting with just a Formica counter with an old tea urn.
Meredith Ankle (Maxine Peake) is the self assured ‘Director’ and steers the rest of the players to stage a play about the life of Dewsbury’s own Baroness Betty Boothroyd, from her humble up bringing to her outstanding career in politics (via a stint as a Tiller Girl).
The first half focuses on the strained relationships within the group; It can be said that directing am-dram can be like herding cats. But Meredith Ankle is a self-assured tour de force and appears to believe she must steamroller the group, including her own daughter Angela (Eva Scott). This is followed by a health and safety incident, which sets up a surprising act two, transporting the audience to a world away from the village hall.
I must say all of the cast were perfect in their characters, each one delighted as they delivered this very funny script. Maxine Peake is outstanding, reminding me at times of her former work colleague Julie Walters, and Eva Scott’s performance was also brilliant.
The live band delivered a top-notch music score, again with excellently funny lyrics. Sometimes giving me a flavour of Tim Minchin’s theatre work.
The show may have started on a badminton court, but the finish very much sparkles!