This Christmas season we witness the Dewsbury Player’s take-over of the Royal Exchange in their original production - Betty! A Sort Of Musical. Mixing politics with comedy, Betty! captures the bright and endearing nature of Boothroyd’s journey to political power as the first female speaker in parliament. A variety of sketches are used to narrate Boothroyd’s life, ranging from her time dancing with the Tiller Girls to spying on MPs in the cold war. 

As if writing the show isn’t impressive enough, Maxine Peake and Seiriol Davies star in this exciting production, directed by former Royal Exchange Artistic Director, Sarah Frankcom. Peake has had a successful screen career, appearing in renowned TV series such as Shameless and Dinner Ladies. Taking on the role of Meredith (an eccentric “wicked witch of west riding”), her comedic timing and charismatic stage presence is truly admirable.

Meredith’s co-collaborators include her lesbian daughter Angela, the dim-witted but lovable Hazel, the annoyingly glamorous Tracy Bassington and Calvin, the music-therapist with a love for jazz hands. This array of characters perfectly sets up the comedy from the onset of the musical. As soon as the show opens, the ‘thrown-together’ yet personalised costumes of each character hints at the multitude of personalities in the rehearsal room.    

The musical is niche as a comedy about British politics. An appreciation of British culture, particularly people from the North, pervade the musical. The ability to relate to the cultural references in the show generates a feeling of nostalgia and belonging. Additionally, a tangent between the generational differences of political correctness is embodied through the dynamics of Meredith and Angela; this dramatic clash in character enhances the comedy. 

A stand-out moment in the show is the political parody of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ which, at its peak, saw Boothroyd, played by Meredith, and the corpse of Margaret Thatcher, played by Calvin, hysterically swinging their handbags at each other on top of the table of the house. It goes without saying that Maxine Peake descending from the ceiling in the speaker’s chair is, without question, another highlight from this wonderfully chaotic section of the show.     

Throughout the show, the funny, bouncy, up-tempo melodies compliment the fast-paced movement of the narrative. By contrast, dramatic scores are used to extenuate the humorous tones within the Dewsbury Player’s performance; this creates an almost pantomime-like feel and adds to the perfect chaos that is Betty! A Sort of Musical.  

Warming hearts in real Boothroyd spirit, the growth in individual narratives and personal relationships as the story progresses brings a sense of unity in true amateur-dramatic fashion! A genuine feeling of completeness is reached at the end of the musical when a rehearsal mishap encourages the members to open up and make amends. In particular, the reconciling of Meredith and her daughter Angela is certain to pull the heartstrings of all audience members (even the Scrooges). 

Closing 2022 with a feeling of jubilance in true Christmas spirit, this uplifting musical tells us of the rewards that come from unity, self-belief and thinking outside of society’s constructions- everything that Betty Boothroyd stands for. 

Take a trip to the Royal Exchange this festive season to embrace your “inner Betty”.  

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Lucy Bevan

Betty! A Sort of Musical plays at the Royal Exchange Theatre until 14 January 2023, with tickets available here.