SNEAK A PEAK INTO THE ROYAL HOUSEHOLD FOR NEWCASTLE PRIDE

Theatre-goers can enjoy a “backstairs” peak into the royal household as part of the North East’s biggest free LGBT event.

Tea with the Old Queen, based on the fictitious secret diaries of the Queen Mother’s real-life page and steward, will be staged at the North East Mining Institute, Westgate Road, Newcastle on Saturday, July 5.

The one-man show, described by critics as funny, witty and poignant, stars Ian Stark as William “Backstairs Billy” Tallon, who served at Clarence House until HRH Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother’s death in 2002.

It features a host of stories, fabricated for comedic effect by award-winning writer Graham Woolnough, including the time a crestfallen Prince Charles sought Billy’s advice, how Princess Margaret refused to stop smoking indoors, despite the much-publicised fire at Windsor Castle and the mystery of a missing salt shaker following a visit by Cherie and Tony Blair.

Graham, who also produced and directed the show, said: “I had the pleasure of meeting Backstairs Billy in 1999 and was thoroughly entertained with an afternoon of hysterical anecdotes.

“His discretion, unwavering loyalty to the royals and ability to say nothing while really saying everything with just a look or a gesture, really inspired me and it’s been a pleasure to explore this closed world of outlandish characters through the conceit of Billy’s diaries.”

Tea with the Old Queen, which has already received five star reviews in London and Edinburgh, is heading to the North East as part of the build up to Newcastle Pride 2014.

The event, now officially the second largest LGBT festival in the UK, returns to the region from Friday July 18, with three days of live music and entertainment running at the city’s Times Square and Town Moor.

Mark Nichols, Chair of Northern Pride, which organises the annual event, said: “Newcastle Pride 2014 is one of the biggest events we’ve ever staged.  Not only is it running across three days, instead of one this year, but we’ve also got a series of satellite events like Tea with the Old Queen, being held before and after the festival itself.

“We’re absolutely delighted that Graham has agreed to be part of Pride and I’m sure that everyone who sees the play will have a fantastic time.”

Tickets for Tea with the Old Queen, priced at £10.50 each, are available at www.northern-pride.com, where you can also find full listings for Newcastle Pride 2014.   For more information follow @NorthernPride on Twitter.