The original inspiration for the story of Billy Elliot came from a 1935 novel by A. J. Cronin entitled The Stars Look Down. The playwright Lee Hall created the film Billy Elliot in 2000, taking the world by storm and capturing the hearts of young and old alike. In 2005 the film was adapted for the West End stage, with a new title: Billy Elliot the Musical.
Billy Elliot – Synopsis
The story is set against the background of the miners' strikes and high unemployment in Country Durham, North Eastern England, in 1984-5. The eleven-year-old motherless Billy is sent by his father to learn boxing. After watching a ballet class he swaps his boxing gloves for a pair of ballet shoes and secretly, with the help of the dance teacher, Mrs Wilkinson, who recognises Billy's talent, he follows his dream, carefully keeping his secret from his struggling father and family. While Billy dances, his father and brother struggle to support the family on strike and union pay, often taking part in bloody battles with riot police. Eventually Billy auditions for the Royal Ballet School, winning a place, and going on to be a successful dancer.
Billy Elliot the Musical – Music by Sir Elton John
With so many well-written songs by Sir Elton John it's no wonder that audiences everywhere leave the theatre humming. Each musical number takes the story forward and perhaps the most memorable is Electricity. At his audition for the Royal Ballet School Billy is asked: "What does it feel like, when you are dancing?" Billy responds with the song Electricity, in which he describes dancing as "Something that you can't control". After two verses and choruses Billy performs a highly energetic dance climaxing with several pirouettes.
Billy Elliot – the Cast as at August 2011
At August 2011 the cast included:
- Josh Baker, Dean Charles Chapman, Ryan Collinson, Scott McKenzie, Adam Vesperman as young Billy
- Genevieve Lemon as Mrs Wilkinson, the dance teacher
- Martin Marquez as Blly's father
- Tom Lorcan as Tony
- Diane Langton as Grandma
- Chris McGlade as George
- Kevin Patricks as Mr Braithwaite
- Kay Milbourne as Dead Mum
- Barnaby Meredith as older Billy
- Reece Barrett, Connor Kelly, Connor Lawson, Joe Massey as Michael
- Francesca Mango, Emily Smith, Emily Williams as Debbie
Costumes and sets were designed by Nicky Gillibrand and Ian MacNeil respectively, with lighting by Rick Fisher and sound by Paul Arditti.
Billy Elliot – Critical Acclaim
The production was nominated for nine Laurence Olivier Awards, winning four, including Best New Musical, Best Actor (awarded jointly to James Lomas, George Maguire and Liam Mower, the boys who played Billy), Best Sound design and Best Choreographer. The production also received the Evening Standard Award, the Critics Circle Award and the Theatregoers Choice Award, all for Best Musical. Billy... has also won ten Tony Awards and ten Drama Desk Awards for the New York production, as well as seven Helpmann Awards for the Australian production.
Billy Elliot the Musical will be on show in London until at least 15th December 2012. Tickets can be purchased from The Victoria Palace Theatre and all reputable ticket agencies.
Frances Spiegel - Frances Spiegel, B.A. Hons. (Open)., Dip.Eur.Hum., read Art History/European Modern History at the Open University.
