Olivier winner Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans will lead the West End production of Marcelo Dos Santos' new play Backstairs Billy, which will begin performances at London's Duke of York's Theatre October 27 for a run scheduled through January 27, 2024. Opening night is set for November 7.

The comedy, directed by Michael Grandage, explores a pivotal moment in the 50-year relationship between the Queen Mother and her loyal servant William “Billy” Tallon.

Wilton and Evans will star as the Queen Mother and Billy, respectively. They will be joined by Emily Barber, Iwan Davies, Ian Drysdale, Ilan Galkoff, Eloka Ivo, Michael Simkins, and Nicole Sloane, with David Buttle, Amy Newton, Keanu Adolphus Johnson, Georgie Rhys and Jacob Ethan Tanner.

The play is set in 1979 Britain as strikes are bringing the country to its knees and things are about to seismically change under Margaret Thatcher, but it's still business as usual for the Queen Mother and her loyal servant Billy. Two worlds are beginning to collide with dizzying consequences.

The production will also have set design by Christopher Oram, costume design by Christopher Oram and Tom Rand, lighting design by Ryan Day, music and sound design by Adam Cork, costume supervision by Mary Charlton, and wigs, hair, and makeup design by Carole Hancock. Casting is by Jacob Sparrow. Sophie Drake serves as associate director.

Visit BackstairsBilly.com.