The Royal Show

Royal Show

by Anton du Beke

By Royal invitation, join us to celebrate The Royal Show!

Prodigal son and loyal daughter...

The Forsyth Variety Company has been given the opportunity of a lifetime - to entertain Her Majesty at 1962's Royal Variety Performance.

Keen to rehearse, the company heads to the Seagate Theatre under the tutelage of the company's owner, Ed Forsyth. This is Ed's last hoorah before retiring and he's keen to leave on a high. But his son, Cal, has absconded, leaving his twin sister, Evie, to help manage the company after their mother's death. Hoping to display her best trapeze performance ever, she's also desperate that the entire troupe should succeed. If only her father hadn't brought in another old-timer... Billy Rich has come all the way from Hollywood, invited to be their main star. Billy is full of bluster and ego and his much younger wife, the mysterious Magdalene, doesn't help.

Can this troupe of old-time crooners, dancing girls and magicians possibly pull this off? Especially when they must compete with the 1960's rebellious new bands and revolutionary music? Abandoned by her brother, Evie has no idea if she'll ever be able to wrestle the troupe into a show fit for a queen.

But as the theatrical group heads towards a royal deadline like no other, Cal returns out of the blue to introduce a song that could change the world. Is he here to help, or are his motivations darker? As the company descends into illicit romance, family intrigue and foul crimes, rehearsals begin to unravel. Can they really do this?

Cal thinks he has the answer, if only the troupe can believe in him.

Because the queen's show must go on...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Historical

408 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the Buckingham Hotel series,(and although only fleetingly was great when the Hotel was brought into this story twice),so was really looking forward to this the 1st in the authors new series
Set around a travelling variety company who are given the honour of performing for HRH at the London Palladium…..there are lots of characters and a whole plethora of sub stories to become involved with
So I am not sure then why I didn’t really warm to it as had the previous series, I found the beginning clunky and no real introduction to the characters and why they were in the book….it kinda read like we already knew?…..it did improve for me and the ending was good but I have to admit to being relieved when it was over and it felt more like a wet and windy matinee than a Royal performance tbh
I am not sure how to explain this but a lot of the description of things is ‘of its time’ I enjoyed that in the last series but in this book it was overdone with flowery and cumbersome descriptions used when it just wasn’t needed for every single descriptive word or emotion
I expect I will be reading Book 2 and the following books when appear but certainly not with the excitement that greeted the new books from the Buckingham series
Overall disappointing

[Novelle Novels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars
The Forsyth variety company has been given the opportunity of a lifetime to perform at 1962’s royal variety performance. They go to rehearse at the Seagate theatre under the company’s owner Ed Forsyth. This is Ed’s last hoorah before he retires. When his son Cal reappears after abandoning the troop five years ago they wonder if he is there to help or does he have darker motives.
This is the first in a new series by the author and it is one that has left me excited for the next book. We start the story seeing a possible murder which has just happened then you go back to just before Cal arrives when they land in seagate. I loved meeting the Forsyth family and the troop. Cal’s twin sister Evie was left to look after Ed and the rest of them when cal disappeared. She was definitely my favourite character and I really wanted her to be happy. This book is more than historical fiction as it has the mystery running thoughout which gives the book a real edge. If you want excitement and magic alongside a great historical fiction book then this is perfect.

[Linda Amos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Forsyth Variety troupe return to The Seagate Theatre in Seaford. Then Cal returns. His sister Evie is due to take over the business after this season from her father, Ed, who is retiring. Before he can, they are chosen to be in the Variety Performance in front of the Queen, a fitting end for Ed who performed as a child in front of the Queen's grandfather. Cal's return with suspicion as everyone expects him to bail again. But he cannot bail as others are relying on him. Can he change their mind even after the star of the show is murdered by someone he knows?
Really enjoyed it. A good start to the series. Set in 1962 it brings back the old stage shows and the hard life of itinerant performers.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Royal Show by Anton Du Beke was a beautifully written book with an eye catching cover. I loved all the characters and the way Anton described the all the scenes. A great book for your holiday relaxing by the pool.

Big thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

[Kahri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book but just couldn’t get into it. It’s not a bad book I just couldn’t really connect with the characters or story for some reason. Could be a me problem! Had to force myself to finish it. 2.5 stars.

[Lorraine Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took ages to read this one.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual in my reviews I will not rehash the plot or publisher's blurb - there are already plenty of reviews like that out there!

This is the first novel I've read by Anton Du Beke, though I understand he has already written several others (on my list to track down).

I enjoyed reading this novel - the settings, attitudes and behaviours of the characters seemed exactly right for the period it was set in (the 1960s). Things were changing, but some social attitudes had not yet relaxed.

The characters were well written - the main characters were an interesting mix, some likeable, some rather unpleasant, and some obviously hiding secrets! The book uses flashbacks as a way of fleshing out the history of some of the characters, which I always enjoy in a novel. I also liked the fact that there were several subplots going on. There were some good twists in the plot, though I did guess the main culprit after a while.

All in all an enjoyable read.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

[Agata · Rating 4 out of 5]

As you would expect from Anton Du Beke, this is another beautifully written, elaborately told love story that takes its reader on a journey through the magical world of performance.

There are many complex characters, most of them very endearing and all of them definitely captivating. I really liked how the story is centred around one family who value tradition and manage to find their way back to each other in any circumstances.

I guess that’s exactly what drew me so much to this book in the first place. The promise of classic, powerful and traditional values that add meaning to life and make literature seminal.

[Carole · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook and it was a big mistake. I don't know if Anton du Beke had actually written the song central to this story but whatever the narrator was singing was truly awful. I can only liken it to Billy Connolly imitating old drunk folk at a party. It might only have been a couple of lines at a time but it has got to be the worst thing I have ever heard. As for the story, it was a bit drawn out. I'm not going to read any more of this series but I will carry on with the Buckingham Hotel series.

[Val · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a travelling company leading up to a Royal Variety Show in the early 1960’s. Father & daughter at the helm, when wayward son Cal reappears. He’s reappearance divides the company, and it seems those who are not keen on his re-integration may just be right in thinking not all is as it seems. I’m normally a big fan of Anton du Beck’s books, but this one just didn’t grab my attention as much as the Buckingham series. It’s not a bad read, but for me just not as enthralling as his others.

[Madeleine Ellison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t usually write reviews as everyone’s opinion can be different, however as I enjoyed all the other books Anton had written I decided to give this one a go. I am sorry to say I did not enjoy it as the story was so drawn out I lost interest half way through. What I did enjoy was the feeling that it was really set in a theatre. Perhaps it would have been better with less padding.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was worried I wouldnt enjoy this book as it breaks away from stories of our favorite Buckingham charecters. But this book was a good read from a perspective...a group of varieties...preparing for a Royal Variety show ....and a body....loved it
cant wait for more...

[Jan Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story but it did make me wonder if the name of the main characters surname and act were a tribute to Brucie.
It was easy to work out whodunit , but nevertheless if there’s a sequel I’ll give it a whirl, so to speak!

[Michelle Jolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, experiencing 1960s life! It was full of twists and turns, which kept me hooked throughout the entire book. I found the characters loveable and relatable, and I can’t wait to read some more of Anton Du Beke’s work!

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing. Not as enjoyable and entertaining as the previous series he wrote

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. It's a great story and characters

[Sophia Aouichaoui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner from Anton Du Beke.
"The Royal Show" was full of fantastic characters and the 'whodunnit' was a surprise!! Didn't even expect it!!
Great stuff

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that got better as it went on. However I can’t give it 5 stars as it just wasn’t as good as the brilliant and wonderful Buckingham Hotel series in my opinion.

[Amy R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow burner, the buy in wasn't as instant as Antons previous books about the Buckingham but the Royal show did eventually grip me and I bought into the characters and the story

[Danielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't get into it, wanted more theatrical elements. Dragged on.

[Steph Ollman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this, but not quite as much as the Buckingham Hotel series. However, perhaps that’s because I’ve got to know those characters better.

[Jocelyn Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

[Elizabeth Cluett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read bit predictable

[Jules Ferrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story, easy to read following the story of a theatre family preparing to appear in a Royal Show. It tells the story of the family’s love, heartaches and successes

[Bethany Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly theatrical! 😍

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical Anton du Beke book - full of the joys of variety theatre.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

[Linda Hogg · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cosy read, but not for me x

[Claire Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Lots of twists and turns and didn’t guess who did it till right at the end.

[Alex Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyable but not as addictive and strong as the Buckingham series