Review: Two top quality leads bring poignant comedy to The Talisman, Kenilworth

Royal households have had curiously named positions throughout history – Cup Bearer to the Queen of Sheba, Master Carver, Marker of the Swans.  Billy Tallon [Michael Seeley] became Page to the Backstairs at Clarence House, having been a page to the Queen Mother [Gill Halford] at 15 years old, just after the death of her husband, George VI.  Michael establishes Billy’s role and persona with total credibility from the off – dominating junior staff with meticulous standards, and  using frequent innuendos and overtly camp behaviour, including the grooming of new young male staff.