Luke Evans’ next project will see him play this historical gay figure
teaser video he posted over the weekend about returning to the boards, today he dropped the details.Evans will star in a new comedy entitled Backstairs Billy at the Duke of York’s Theatre.Backstairs Billy was the nickname for William Tallon, who was a steward and member of the late Queen Mother’s staff.Tallon served the Queen Mother, who was the mother of Queen Elizabeth II, for 50 years and was more than a servant to her.
He was often her dance partner, friend, and confidant.He was also, in the words of The Daily Mail, “a bawdy, irreverent and deeply camp antidote to the strait-laced life of the rest of the Royal Family.”In the same way that Queen Victoria formed a deep bond with a Scottish servant, John Brown (retold in the Judi Dench movie, Mrs.
Brown), the Queen Mom had a special bond with Tallon.Tallon’s partner for 30 years was another member of the Queen Mother’s staff, Reginald Wilcock.Tallon served the Queen Mother until her death in 2001.
He died in 2007, aged 72, from liver failure.Evans will appear in Backstairs Billy opposite Penelope Wilton (Downtown Abbey), who will play the Queen Mother.
