Ruthie Henshall plays Mrs Wilkinson in Billy Elliot the Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre. The show is celebrating its tenth birthday in the West End. Picture: Alastair Muir
Tonight, 12 May 2015, the multi award-winning smash hit Billy Elliot the Musical celebrates ten years in the West End. The musical received its world premiere at the Victoria Palace Theatre in March 2005 with the gala opening night taking place exactly ten years ago today. To coincide with the tenth birthday celebrations, Billy Elliot the Musical today announces an extension to the West End run, releasing more than 600,000 tickets for sale, taking booking through to 17 December 2016. In addition, the first UK and Ireland tour of Billy Elliot the Musical is also announced, opening at the Theatre Royal Plymouth in February 2016. Further tour dates and booking details will be announced shortly.
Elton John said: “When Stephen, Lee and I started work on Billy Elliot the Musical I knew this was going to be something very special. It’s no secret that I fell in love with the film and from that moment I was convinced Billy’s story should be seen on stage. When I saw the show for the first time back in 2005, I was completely bowled over and ten years and 40 London Billy Elliots later, I couldn’t be more proud of this extraordinary show. Billy Elliot in particular means something very special to me and I want to thank absolutely everyone who has been involved in the production throughout this incredible journey.”
Stephen Daldry added: “We are all delighted to see Billy Elliot the Musical reach its next milestone of ten thrilling years in the West End. When the idea of turning Billy Elliot in to a musical was first suggested I immediately knew that live theatre would be the natural home to re-tell his story. We began the task and on 12 May 2005, we opened the show at the Victoria Palace Theatre. Ten years later, with 82 boys having played the title role in front of ten million theatregoers worldwide, we are today announcing the next chapter – the West End run is being further extended and in February 2016 Billy Elliot will begin its first ever UK and Ireland tour. From the start, Billy Elliot has given me enormous professional fulfilment as well as huge pride and the show will always have a very special place in my heart.”
Billy Elliot the Musical is brought to life by the multiple award-winning creative team behind the film including writer Lee Hall (book and lyrics), director Stephen Daldry, and choreographer Peter Darling, joined by Elton John who composed the show’s score. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, the associate director is Julian Webber, costume design is by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch.
The adult cast is led by Ruthie Henshall as Billy’s dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson, Deka Walmsley as Dad, Chris Grahamson as Tony and Gillian Elisa as Grandma. Thomas Hazelby (ten years old from Doncaster), Brodie Donougher (12 years old from Blackpool), Ollie Jochim (13 years old from Chelmsford, Essex) and Bradley Perret (13 years old from Juan les Pins, France) alternate the title role of Billy Elliot. Nathan Jones (12 years old from Prudhoe, Northumberland) joins Todd Bell (12 years old from Whitehaven, Cumbria) and Tomi Fry (12 years old from Swindon) to play the role of Billy’s best friend Michael. Kyria Cooper (11 years old from Hartlepool), Connie Fisher (ten years old from Brompton, North Yorkshire) and Demi Lee (11 years old from Middlesbrough) alternate the role of Debbie.
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Ten years of Billy Elliot in photos – News
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