Acting duo have eyes for musical

A PAIR of Oldham actresses are to star in Cameron Mackintosh’s newest production.

Betty Blue Eyes, based on the Alan Bennett play A Private Function, opens at the Novello Theatre in London’s West End on April 13.

Appearing together are one of the country’s biggest TV and stage stars, Sarah Lancashire (46) — originally from Garden Suburb — and Gemma Wardle (34), from Royton — a recent regular at the Coliseum.

The musical, set in 1947, is about the illegal rearing of a pig, Betty, so local dignitaries can celebrate the forthcoming royal wedding with a lavish banquet.

Sarah is leading character Joyce Chilvers, while Gemma takes on the role of Mrs Leicester.

Gemma is a former Oldham Theatre Workshop actress who has appeared in a host of musicals including Les Miserables, Carousel and Fame.

Award-winning actress Sarah Lancashire is best known for her role as dippy barmaid Raquel Wolstenhulme in Coronation Street and a string of starring TV roles.