William ‘Billy’ Tallon was the Queen Mother’s devoted servant for 51 years. Now a play has been written about this “fabulously camp, larger-than-life character”.
Background
The Queen Mother’s household was quite unlike any other that survived into the early 21st century, retaining an Edwardian splendour. A very grand household, it employed more than a dozen full-time staff in Clarence House to ensure the Queen Mother had the very best of everything when in London. After all, she was still a Queen, even if it was in a dowager capacity. While the “upstairs downstairs” idea prevailed, the staff were very fond of the Queen Mother and staff turnover was very low. Overseeing the household was the Queen Mother’s chief member of staff, her steward, William “Billy” Tallon. He had worked for her since he was 15, and she considered him indispensable.
The Play
Set in 1979, when strikes are bringing the country to its knees and Britain is about to seismically change under Margaret Thatcher, it is business as usual for the Queen Mother and her loyal servant Billy inside Clarence House. Receptions are in full swing and the champagne is flowing as the two worlds start to collide with dizzying consequences.
The Review
We went to see Marcelo Dos Santos’ new comedy Backstairs Billy at the Duke of York’s Theatre. It tells the story of a couple of days in the life of “Billy” Tallon and the Queen Mother. As the introduction says outside the walls of Clarence House the country is undergoing a seismic shift in society, but inside it is business as usual. The Queen Mother is presiding over champagne receptions while her steward is straddling both worlds.
When an incident occurs and Billy unexpectedly allows the outside world to encroach on the inner sanctum, his position appears to be in jeopardy. Will the Queen Mother still consider him indispensable?
Clarence House was depicted as a very grand household, where the Queen Mother was treated as a queen. Penelope Wilton was excellent in the role of the Queen Mother, playing her as friendly and frivolous but definitely in charge.
Luke Evans played Billy with an arrogance that befits someone who thinks he is untouchable. Another excellent performance. Oh and there are also corgi’s in the production.
While the play is billed as a comedy, and it was indeed funny, it was more humorous than a rip roaring belly laugh. Subtle humour and hints at how things have changed.
While I don’t know if the incident in question was real or imagined, the characters themselves were real and much of their story was real. The end of the play told what happened next and the fate of “Billy” Tallon. A fine ending to the play.
We had seats in the Dress Circle. a good view of the stage, not affected by the overhang from the gallery above. The seats are well raked so no problems seeing over the person in front.
Backstairs Billy is playing at the Duke of York’s Theatre until 27th January 2024
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