BETTY BLUE EYES To Close At Novello, Sept 24

Musical comedy BETTY BLUE EYES, by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe and based on the Alan Bennett and Malcolm Mowbray film 'A Private Function', will close at the Novello Theatre on Saturday 24 September 2011 after a run of six months.

The press release announcing the closure read: "The new musical has failed to attract an audience in sufficient numbers to remain economically viable. It seems that the prevailing economic uncertainties nationally are leading audiences to take less risks on spending their money on new and unknown work and to seek refuge in safe and familiar titles and material. It is, perhaps, significant that ‘Les Misérables' and ‘The Phantom of the Opera' continue to play to packed houses every night."

Producer Cameron Mackintosh said, "It is very curious - after such amazing reviews and positive word of mouth, no-one knows the real reason why Betty couldn't find a bigger audience. We have been consistently playing to just over 50 percent but it just isn't enough to cover the costs. Of course I am disappointed but I'm not despondent, I am enormously proud of Betty. I know that she will eventually have her day and another life."

All patrons who have booked tickets for performances after 24 September should contact their point of purchase.