Directed by Michael Grandage, Marcelo Dos Santos’ new play Backstairs Billy looks at a pivotal moment in the 50 year relationship between the Queen Mother and her loyal servant William “Billy” Tallon.
It is running at Duke of York Theatre in London from 27 October 2023 – 27 January 2024.
It’s Clarence House, 1979, The Queen Mother’s receptions are in full swing and the champagne is flowing. Guiding the proceedings is flamboyant servant, trusted friend, holder of the royal corgis and confidant William ‘Billy’ Tallon.
Outside, strikes are bringing the country to its knees and Britain is on the verge of changing seismically under Margaret Thatcher.
These two worlds are about to collide with dizzying consequences…..
The Artiscape spoke to Eloka Ivo about his role in the play.
Can you tell us about the character you play?
Ivo: I play Ian – who is an artist that finds his way into Clarence House one evening. Ian is very confident in his own opinions and abilities, and he is not a fan of The Royal Family…
Can you identify in any way with the character you play?
Ivo: Ian is disruptive in a way that I think I would like to be. He’s not afraid to say what needs to be said and will gladly stand up for what he deems right.
He’s got a good ear for accents, and I “think” I do too.
What attracts you to the play’s plot?
Ivo: The unexpectedness of the plot is unparalleled. I read the play in one sitting, and I could not have anticipated where the story was going to go – I think people will sit down with an idea of what they’re about to watch and by the time the curtain comes down they’ll be completely astounded – I definitely was!
As an actor, What are the challenge in preparing for a role like this?
Ivo: Michael has been remarkable in helping me with my preparation – I had quite a fixed view on my character entering rehearsals, and it was a challenge breaking out of that. With Michael’s direction I was invited to view Ian differently, which really helped unlock my scenes.
Ian’s art is somewhat ludicrous, and I think once I fully succumbed to the belief that ‘his Art’ is truly Art, I began to understand him more.
What do you feel an audience will take from this production?
Ivo: For me, the play is primarily about friendship – Billy and The Queen Mother are such a peculiar duo however I hope that the audiences get to see the beauty of friendship when they watch.
Eloka Ivo plays Ian. His theatre work includes Black Superhero (Royal Court Theatre), The Glass Menagerie (Royal Exchange Theatre), The Gods are Not to Blame (Almeida Theatre), The End of Eddy (BAM, New York), One Night in Miami (Bristol Old Vic/Nottingham Playhouse), The Son (Kiln Theatre), To Kill a Mockingbird (Lyric Theatre) and Victoria’s Knickers (Soho Theatre). His television work includes Avenue 5; and for film, Four Mothers.
