Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans star in camp comedy Backstairs Billy – review
Picture the scene: against a backdrop of political turmoil, a cost of living crisis and constant public sector strikes, we find ourselves – perhaps surprisingly not in the present day – but instead in 1979, with the UK about to elect its first female prime minister in what will eventually prove to be a seismic shift in British politics.
Inside Clarence House, however, it’s business as usual; The Queen Mother (Penelope Wilton) is entertaining the usual quirky parade of guests, ably supported by her favourite page Billy (Luke Evans).
Backstairs Billy presents an interesting story based on the life of William ‘Billy’ Tallon, who was one of the Queen Mother’s servants for some 50 years.
We are afforded a snapshot into his life at a moment time, alongside flashbacks to him as a teenager when he is first employed by the royal household.
