Nov 3, 2023
Penelope Wilton & Luke Evans in "Backstairs Billy" (The Duke of York Theatre,2023)
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Penelope Wilton & Luke Evans in "Backstairs Billy" (The Duke of York Theatre,2023)
I came across a fascinating article about Bill Tallon who was the chief Steward to the Queen Mother for 50 years. Tallon also held the title of Page of the Backstairs which explains his nickname Backstairs Billy.
As a young boy, Tallon dreamed of working for the Royal Family. He wrote to Buckingham Palace many times asking for a job. At the age of 16, he finally got his answer - he was offered a job as a Junior Steward. In 1952 King George VI died and the Queen Mother eventually moved from Buckingham Palace to a new home - Clarence House. Tallon joined her.
According the the article, the Queen Mother preferred gay servants because they didn’t have wives or children and could travel with her without any fuss. Remarkable considering sex between men in England was illegal until 1967 (sex between women had never been criminal).
Tallon’s partner Reginald Wilcock also worked in the Queen Mother as a footmen. Bill and Reg were considered essential to her staff, with a eye to details. Their campy banter livened the atmosphere. She awarded them both the Royal Victorian Medals for their service. They had been together 30 years when Reg died from leukaemia in 2000.
When the Queen Mother passed away in 2002, Tallon was heartbroken. Still mourning Reg, he fell into a depression and drank excessively. He died in 2007 from liver failure.
Matching outfits 🤍🖤
Penelope Wilton & Luke Evans at the "Backstairs Billy" - Press Night - After Party (2023)
Penelope Wilton & Luke Evans in “Backstairs Billy” (The Duke of York Theatre,2023)
Backstairs Billy with Penelope Wilton & Luke Evans – in rehearsals (2023)
Penny looks so good and happy😊🩵 Can´t wait to see her in costume.But I think she´ll look more like the late Queen than Queen Mum and I couldn't care less because she'll look fab anyway🤩
Penelope Wilton, Luke Evans and Corgis on "Lorraine" talking about their new play "Backstairs Billy" (2023)
Wonder if there'll be actually corgis on stage
💛💜 Tonight 💛💜
Penelope Wilton & Luke Evans at the "One Night Only Event At The Ivy West Street In Partnership With Acting For Others" (2023)