Stuart is Betty's leading man

Stuart Hutchinson is Gilbert Chilvers in Harrogate Operatic Players production of Betty Blue Eyes

Director Michael Kirkby returns after his successful run of hit shows Sister Act and Annie.

“Betty Blue Eyes is a wonderful show that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next! Lots of Yorkshire humour with a strong story line that is based on the Alan Bennett film – A Private Function that starred Maggie Smith and Michael Palin,” he said.

The cast is headed by Stuart Hutchinson as Gilbert Chilvers and Ruth Graham as his wife.

Chairman of the Players Helen Mills said: “Betty Blue Eyes seemed at first to be a gamble. A relatively unknown show but it’s a critically acclaimed British musical that is a cracker to watch and be a part of. We’ve taken that gamble and the reaction we’ve had already within the cast and society has been brilliant.”

The story is set 1947 austerity Britain. A small town in Yorkshire with local officials feathering their own nests.

So, who is Betty? Betty is an adorable blue-eyed pig, who is being illegally reared to ensure the local dignitaries can celebrate the royal wedding of Elizabeth and Philip with a lavish banquet while the local population make do with Spam.

Betty Blue Eyes opens at Harrogate Theatre on Tuesday June 6 and runs until Saturday June 10, daily at at 7.30pm and a matinee on Saturday at 2pm.

Tickets from Harrogate Theatre box office on 01423 502 116.