Cameron Mackintosh is developing a new musical based on the film A Private Affair, renamed Betty Blue Eyes.
The musical adaptation has been named in honour of the Queen and will be performed for the upcoming Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebration.
Betty Blue Eyes is set in post-war Britain and tells the story of a small town organising a street party to celebrate the nuptials of the young Princess Elizabeth and Philip. However, due to rationing, a pig of the same name is hidden despite the fact it is the centrepiece of the feast.
Betty Blue Eyes has been adapted by Mackintosh protégés George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, who wrote the music and lyrics after being commissioned by Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman who control the rights to the original screenplay.
Betty Blue Eyes will begin rehearsals in early 2011. It was initially thought that the play would perform at the West Yorkshire Playhouse for a four-week run and then transfer to the West End theatres at Easter. However, there are now rumours that the musical will instead open in London. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee takes place in 2012, the same year that London plays host to the Olympics.
Cameron Mackintosh is one of the most successful theatrical producers of all time, behind such monster hits as Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Mary Poppins, Miss Saigon, Cats, and Follies.
The old phrase “never work with children or animals” is likely to be put to the test as Cameron Mackintosh recently confirmed there will indeed be pigs on stage!
Betty Blue Eyes tickets on sale soon!