BACKSTAIRS BILLY

Duke Of York’s Theatre until January 27, thedukeofyorks.com

DOWNTON Abbey meets to the Manor Born in a new play about the Queen Mother’s beloved Page of the Backstairs.

Billy tallon entered royal service at 15 and, two years later in 1952, moved to Clarence House with the newly widowed Elizabeth. He remained by her side for 50 years.

Set in 1979, the programme promises two worlds colliding as civil unrest ravages the nation. But social commentary skips gaily away as the curtain rises, corgis dash across a palatial pink room and our mincing martinet hilariously choreographs gigantic flower vase placements.

Luke Evans’s Billy is deliciously arch and vainglorious, theatrically stage managing soirées while flirting with protocol (and junior staff) as he spikes teetotal aristocrats’ drinks or brings dodgy men back for liaisons.

Penelope Wilton’s delightful HM deploys one liners in billowing pastels but brings touching pathos to flashback scenes.

this giddy blancmange sags in Act II when writer Marcelo Dos Santos shoehorns serious issues in, ruining the punchline to a scene involving a misplaced phallic sculpture with a rant about race riots. A late scene where Billy is disciplined also jars. Missteps aside, it’s great fun, best enjoyed with a stiff gin.

IN this gorgeous reinvention of the classic ballet, a wonderful jazz quartet riff on tchaikovsky’s sublime score, while standard Nutcracker Edwardian splendour is swapped for a workingclass flat.

Clara is now Clive, wrestling with preferring dolls to the Action Man his dad thrusts at him. As Clive slips into Dreamland, the strapping toy comes to life and their adventures begin.

Real magic is cleverly conjured in the intimate space with strong storytelling, dazzling costumes and confetti.

All six dancers bring character, heart and flawless technique to Drew Mconie’s joyous choreography, glorious lifts and leaps defy low ceilings while hands and feet flash past. It’s exhilarating.

Mark Samaras (left) is moving as Clive and the final reconciliation with his father had me in tears. An early festive treat.