Interview: Amy Booth-Steel

Amy Booth-Steel is currently preparing to star as Joyce Chilvers in the UK Tour of Betty Blue Eyes.

Betty Blue Eyes opens on Friday 14th March at the Mercury Theatre before embarking on a 5 month tour across England in a new co-production between Mercury Theatre Colchester, Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, Salisbury Playhouse and West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Amy, who finished twelfth in BBC Talent show I’d Do Anything, was involved in the original workshop stages of Tori Amos’ debut musical, The Light Princess and went on to play Piper in the show’s recent run at the National Theatre. 

Amy’s theatre credits also include Dolly in One Man Two Guvnors (UK Tour), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Watermill), She Stoops To Conquer (National), Ex (Soho), RSC 50th Birthday Celebrations, Swallows and Amazons (Bristol Old Vic), Sister Act (London Palladium) and The Sound Of Music (London Palladium).

Recently I spoke to Amy during a break from rehearsals about the all-new production of Betty Blue Eyes, starring in The Light Princess and how I’d Do Anything led to her association with the National Theatre…

How much did you know about Betty Blue Eyes prior to your involvement in this new touring production?

I had seen the show in the West End and thought it was absolutely amazing and was sad when it didn’t continue. I thought it was brilliant when I found out it had a new life! The score and the story are so lovely, it’s so nice that it is carrying on!

Full casting announced for Betty Blue Eyes UK Tour

Full casting has been announced for the new actor musician, touring production of  Betty Blue Eyes.

Fresh from his role in The Book of Mormon, Haydn Oakley stars as Gilbert Chilvers. Amy Booth-Steel (pictured right), most recently seen in The Light Princess at the National Theatre, will play Gilbert’s wife, determined social-climber Joyce Chilvers.

Set in 1947 austerity Britain, Betty Blue Eyes tells the story of humble chiropodist Gilbert Chilvers and his ferocious wife Joyce. When an invitation to the social event of the year fails to materialise, the Chilvers resolve that they must do whatever it takes to get their fair share of the banquet’s centrepiece – a rations-busting illegal pork roast!