Picture: Alastair Muir
Universal Theatrical Group and Working Title Films have confirmed the launch dates for the eagerly awaited new national tour and West End season of the original award-winning production of Billy Elliot the Musical.
The tour will open at the Sunderland Empire from 4-28 November, before returning to the West End for the first time in over 10 years, playing at the Adelphi Theatre from 12 February to 31 July 2027.
Ahead of the London season, the production will visit the Palace Theatre Manchester (2 December 2026 to 9 January 2027) and Edinburgh Playhouse (19 January to 6 February 2027). Further touring dates and casting will be announced at a later date.
Commenting on the new tour, the musical’s composer Elton John and director Stephen Daldry said: “Creating Billy Elliot the Musical was one of the most joyous and inspiring moments of our careers, so to bring the show back for a UK tour and a season in the West End for the first time in over a decade is both incredibly emotional and exciting. It’s bold, it’s British, it’s full of heart and the story feels more relevant than ever. We can’t wait for a whole new generation to experience it!”
Based on the 2000 movie which told the inspirational story of the dancing schoolboy from a northern mining town against the turbulent backdrop of the 1984/1985 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot the Musical is brought to life by the multiple award-winning team of writer Lee Hall (book and lyrics), director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and Elton John who composed the show’s score. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, costume design by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher, sound design by Paul Arditti, hair, wig and make-up design by Campbell Young and musical supervision and orchestrations by Martin Koch.
The tour director is Simon Pollard and the associate choreographer is Jeroen Luiten. Adult casting is by Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher and children’s casting is by Nick Hockaday for Jessica Ronane Casting.
Billy Elliot the Musical has been seen by over 12 million people across five continents, winning more than 80 theatre awards internationally, including ten Tony Awards and five Olivier Awards. In 2006, Liam Mower, James Lomas and George Maguire – the first three boys to play the title role – became the youngest performers ever to have won the Olivier Award for Best Actor with the show also picking up the Best Musical prize. In total, over 125 boys have now played the iconic title role on stage worldwide.
Angela Thomas
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