Theatre
Five reasons you need to see Billy Elliot before it leaves the West End
One of the most critically acclaimed shows on today’s West End, Billy Elliot the Musical, leaves Victoria Palace Theatre on 9 April 2016.
*weeps*
Set in a northern mining town, against the background of the 1984-85 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot is the inspirational story of a young boy’s struggle against the odds to make his dreams come true.
Still haven’t seen this wonderfully uplifting musical? We’ve rounded up five reasons why you need to see Billy Elliot before it pirouette out of the Victoria Theatre Palace.
1. The score is written by Elton John
Yes, Sir Elton John, alongside Lee Hall, wrote the songs and the score for Billy Elliot the Musical! Elton’s connection and understanding of the story is clear; the music really captures the true northern-ness of the story with its rough, lyrical wit – like in the brutally honest Grandma’s Song or the fabulous Expressing Yourself – and also invokes all, if not more, of the emotion felt and portrayed in the film; we dare you not to shed a tear when you hear The Letter.
2. The amazing dancing
The dancing abilities of the cast are nothing short of incredible. Expect to see flawless pirouettes, gigantic leaps, sassy sashaying, fast tapping feet and Billy flying high! This breathtaking choreography is the brainchild of award-winning choreographer, Peter Darling – who also choreographed Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – and, just like the music, masterfully narrates the waves of emotions Billy is faced and dealing with.
3. Ruthie Henshall
One of musical theatre’s first ladies and all round West End legend is currently playing Billy Elliot’s dance teacher, Mrs Wilkinson. The Olivier award-winning actress, Ruthie Henshall, has had leading roles in a host of West End shows includingLes Misérables, Miss Saigon and Chicago and returned in 2014 after a slight break to play Billy’s straight-talking teacher.
4. The brilliant Billys
This show seems to have a real knack for casting some extremely talented boys who go on to great success in the world of theatre. Take one of the first ever Billys for example, Liam Mower, now aged 23, he’s a dancer with the Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures where he has starred in The Nutcracker and toured in The Car Man last summer with another ex-Billy, Layton Williams.
5. The stars LOVE it
Billy Elliot has been seen by over 10 million people and included in those 10 million are; Nicole Kidman, Michael Jackson, Hugh Jackman, the Beckhams and the Queen! If it’s good enough for them, it sure is good enough for us.
Billy Elliot will show at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre until 9 April 2016, book the best seats now at Ticketmaster.co.uk.
