Wednesday, March 31

Billy Elliot Celebrates its 5th Birthday

Tonight is the fifth birthday of Billy Elliott the Musical and 19 Billy Elliots (from the past, present and future) will appear together on stage in celebration.

The three men responsible for Billy Elliott,  Stephen Daldry (director), Lee Hall (writer) and Elton John (composer) will join current and former cast members and their families for what promises to be an emotional night at the Victoria Palace Theatre.

Since the musical opened five years ago 22 boys have played the part of Billy on the London stage. A Sydney version of the show followed in 2007 and the hugely successful Broadway version (which won 10 Tonys) in 2008. Next is Chicago, from where Daldry has just returned for tonight’s very special show.

The show has become a global success and is still due to open in South Korea (August), Japan (2011), Germany and Holland. Part of the challenge for future productions will be finding the dialect equivalent of Geordie in countries like Japan.

Stephen Daldry said: “We're getting back as many as we can of the kids who performed in London. I suppose you'd call the finale we're planning a Billy megamix.” A lot of these boys have now grown up, with the oldest being 20 and appearing in Dirty Dancing.

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