We talked about all things Betty Blue Eyes, unwind after a performance, and he let us know how much a diva Betty really is!
How did you get involved with NNOS?
This is my first production with NNOS! I saw their publicity material for their last show and knew that I’d love to get involved!
Tell us a bit about the show.
Betty Blue Eyes, on the surface, appears to be an action-packed escapade about pigs and class warfare, which, on some level, it is! However, at its heart, the show is about a family trying to get by after World War 2. Being based on an Alan Bennett play, the show focuses in on small everyday details in such a beautiful way, and we really get to see the ins and outs of this relationship and how they navigate everything together.
You are the show’s leading man. Tell us a bit about your character.
Gilbert Chilvers is perhaps a man at odds with his time. He’s sensitive in a time when men are told to be strong; he isn’t concerned by the social norms or the hierarchy that everybody else seems to live by, and he cares for his family in quiet and understated ways. He’s a quiet man but strong and resolute; he knows who he is, and he isn’t interested in changing that. Most importantly, he’s the finest chiropodist in all the north!
The show is a musical. What is your favourite song?
Betty Blue Eyes is a fantastic title song for the show, but for me personally, it’s The Kind of Man I Am. It’s a lovely, poignant moment in a show without all too many of those, and it’s a real joy to be able to perform it.
Is there a band in the show?
Not only is there a 10-piece band playing for the show, but there are also six onstage actor-musicians! These vary from specialist actor-musicians to ensemble members to principal characters, all playing onstage to really bring the music to life in front of audiences’ eyes.
How many performers do you have performing this year?
There are 35 people in the cast. It’s amazing how a larger cast like this can really bring the whole village to life, as well as packing out the stage in the big ensemble dance numbers.
What has been your favourite moment in rehearsals?
Meeting our Betty for the first time was pretty special – she’s quite a presence and commands the room every time she enters, and getting to meet her was awesome. Also, hearing all of our actor-musicians playing together as a group for the first time was a really cool moment, too.
I’ve seen people grow so much in terms of their confidence, leadership, and so much more from being involved in the arts, not to mention the bonds that are created between people through the course of putting on a production.
The local arts scene has always been and continues to be the lifeblood of any community, and we’re so lucky to be part of a city like Norwich, where the scene is so vibrant.
How do you unwind after a performance?
Straight home and into bed, usually! It’s nice to unwind socially for a while with some of the other cast, crew and band, as well as audience members, but for me, it’s all about keeping rested during a show week – 7 shows in 5 days is quite the workload!
How excited are you to perform at Norwich Theatre Royal?
I’m not sure excited covers it! I’ve seen a couple of touring productions at the Theatre Royal and have imagined what it would be like to get up there and perform – to actually be doing it is a dream. The capacity is about three times what I’ve ever performed before, so to perform in such a big auditorium on a professional stage will be absolutely incredible.
Ok, you have to tell us, is Betty a diva?
You know it! She’s turning heads everywhere she goes; she’s a big, beautiful girl, and she loves the attention. She’s the title character of the show, and she makes sure we all know it – plus, she won’t even look at you unless you’re carrying ginger nuts…
Betty Blue Eyes is at Norwich Theatre Royal between 23 – 27 Jan. For more information or to book, click the link below or call 01603 630 000.
