A NEW special show is coming, full of eccentric characters and starring ... a pig.

Witham Amateur Operatic Society is putting on musical comedy Betty Blue Eyes, starring a huge cast and Betty the pig.

Based on the film A Private Function, the story by Alan Bennett is set in Shepardsford, Yorkshire, in 1947.

The Second World War is finished, but the scars of it continue to be seen and felt.

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 story follows the lives of Gilbert and Joyce Chilvers, a chiropodist, and his not-to-be-reckoned-with wife.

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 kidnapping the pig, while the sinister Mr Wormold – the Ministry of Food inspector – tracks down Betty and the Chilvers.

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A spokesman for the show 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.

“The show is suitable for the whole family, with plenty of music and comedy for all.”

The show is at the Witham Public Hall from April 25-30, with a special preview night on April 25, for which all tickets are £10.

Doors open at 7pm with performances start at 7.30pm.

There is a special matinee performance on April 30 at 2.30pm with doors opening at 2pm.

Tickets can be booked at waos.org.

For group bookings, contact the box office by phone on 0300 201 0080 or e-mail boxoffice@waos.org.