Camp, kitch and a little bit crazy. Betty! A Sort of Musical is a sort of comedy, a sort of parody and a lot of fun.
Playing at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre until January 14, this musical is a pantomime for adults with an interest in politics. Written by Maxine Peake and Seiriol Davies, it centres on a Dewsbury am-dram group celebrating hometown hero Betty Boothroyd.
Based on the story of the first female speaker of the House of Commons, this production is so bad it's good. Eclectic, eccentric and at times ahistorical, this unique show tells an uplifting story of the Yorkshire lass who blazed a trail taking on the top parliamentary job.
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Featuring rap battles with the Beast of Bolsover, an Irish jig from the Rev Ian Paisley and literal handbags with Margaret Thatcher, it shows Parliament like you've never seen it before. Witty writing, ludicrous lyrics and a suitable score make it a laugh-out-loud musical.
From her Northern roots to her time in London in a dance troupe and her rise through the ranks of the Labour Party, this inspiring tale is told creatively by The Dewsbury Players whose members each prepare a scene from different periods in Baroness Boothroyd's life.
But tensions are high as an opportunity to impress 'the BBC' looms, all under false pretences. The characters take turns playing the prominent politician in their own way, but Peake portrays the iconic parliamentarian at the peak of her career – and does so perfectly.
Comprising of Corrie stars, a multi-lingual musician and a member of the Queer as Folk cast, this line-up is bursting with talent. Each one is assigned a distinctive character with charming idiosyncrasies that make the Dewsbury collective magical and bring Betty to life.
Watching this performance in the round at the Royal Exchange allows for audience interaction. The set, which starts out as a village hall with wooden floors, fluorescent lighting and a hazardous tea urn, is transformed into a terrific take on the commons chamber.
Rather than a biopic, this musical is a tribute to the tough old bird who was once described by Tony Blair as "a national institution". It is the story of one woman's journey from West Riding to Westminster that leaves you wanting to learn more about this legendary lady.
Brimming with references to recent political history, this play is not political or preachy. Far from serious, it is simply silly.
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