TICKETS are now on sale for Witham Amateur Operatics Society’s brand new show – Betty Blue Eyes.

Billed as an “utterly British musical”, the comedy is based on A Private Function by playwright Alan Bennett.

Set in Yorkshire in 1947, it is full of eccentric characters, including the star – Betty the pig.

The war is over but, like the rest of the country, Shepardsford still bears the scars of six years of conflict.

Belts are tightened and citizens are told by the Government that there will be a “fair share for all” in return for surviving austerity Britain.

The only bright spark of hope on the horizon is the impending marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.

The plot follow the lives of chiropodist Gilbert Chilvers and not to be reckoned with wife Joyce.

Gilbert inadvertently stumbles across a pig named Betty, who is being illegally reared to ensure the local dignitaries can celebrate the royal wedding with a lavish banquet.

It leads to the kidnapping of the pig, while the sinister Mr Wormold – the Ministry of Food inspector – tracks Betty down.

A Witham Amateur Operatics Society spokesman said: “This show has everything – a gorgeous score to fall in love with, humour, strong acting, eccentric characters, heart-warming moments, the drama of post-war Britain and big, show-stopping choreography of the 1940s.”

Betty Blue Eyes is at Witham Public Hall from April 25-30. Performances start at 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm Saturday matinee.

Tickets are on sale now, priced £10-£16, on 0300 201 0080, online at waos.org and from the visitor information centre at Witham Town Hall.