Betty Blue Eyes St Paul’s Players Adlington Community Centre,

March 5 to 10

Based on the comic film “A Private Function” by Alan Bennett and Malcolm Mowbray, this quirky musical enjoyed a successful West End run in 2011.

Set in 1947 in post-war austerity Britain, cries of “fair shares for all” resound around the town, the only spark on the horizon being the impending marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

Enter Betty — a pig with beautiful blue eyes — and the scene is set for a range of eccentric characters to vie for possession of this endearing animal, resulting in a heart-warming story with its tongue firmly in its cheek.

Graham Cohen and Liz Blundell lead with aplomb, with strong support from the cast, notably Judith Armstrong as Mother Dear, Mike Wignall as Dr Swaby, and Andrew Turton as Henry Allardyce.

Director Steve Blundell obviously knows this piece well, ensuring that the pace and humour are maintained, and Musical Director Paul Stanley has toes tapping from the opening music. Choreographer Pearl Williams produces great sequences for the talented ensemble to perform, and Stage Manager Sam Heyes and team execute a slick array of scene changes.

Oh – and Lily Armstrong as Betty gives an appealing performance. Intrigued? Then go and see it! Runs until Saturday.

Peter Haslam