Billy Elliot: The Musical

SYNOPSIS

Billy Elliot: The Musical

Take a journey back to 1980s Britain at the Victoria Palace Theatre, a time when the 1984-85 coal miners’ strike is in full swing and working class struggle is gripping the nation. Amongst it all is a boy who wants to break free of his roots and make it on his own, taking up a skill that no-one would expect of him and showing what talent and determination can do for a person.

This is “Billy Elliot: The Musical”, the West End smash hit based on the popular 2000 movie that made a star of Billy Elliot himself Jamie Bell. It is a story of bravery and standing for what you believe in, with hope and triumph over adversity thrown into the mix as well. The show even features original players from the film, including screenplay writer Lee Hall, who penned the book and lyrics for the production, as well as Director Stephen Daldry and choreographer Peter Darling who both had a hand in the 2000 hit. Such is the acclaim held for the show there is even talk of another movie to showcase the success around the world. It means that one day we could see “Billy Elliot: The Musical” on the big screen.

New to the table is Sir Elton John, who created the music for the production and helped set it apart from the original. It means that whether you are familiar with the movie or not, you will find something to enjoy with the production, with a heart warming plot and a talented cast leading the way.

“Billy Elliot” tells the story of a young boy who struggles to fit in amongst the background of the miner strikes in North East England. Margaret Thatcher’s plans to close the pits had put the country in turmoil with a power struggle raging through British society. However, Billy wants nothing to do with this and has no plans to follow his father and brothers down the mines, or to be the boxer his father desires. Instead he has found a new pass time, embarking into the world of ballet, which proves to be something that he is good at and even enjoys!

He is fearful of his family’s reaction at first and decides to keep his new hobby a secret, but he soon realises that his family is there for him, eventually coming to terms with the path that he has chosen. With this in mind and determination to succeed, he tries his best to win a highly coveted place at the prestigious Royal Ballet School.

“Billy Elliot: The Musical” first opened its doors in March 2005, after which it has managed to land four Laurence Olivier Awards and nominations for a further five. As a result, new versions have opened on stages all around the world, from Broadway and Canada to Australia and Japan. Its homes worldwide have added to its list of awards and accolades, cementing its status as a new star of the theatre.

“Billy Elliot: The Musical” is at the Victoria Palace Theatre where it is currently booking until 2010.

(Not recommended for children under 12 due to some strong language).

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