Billy Elliot

Billy Elliot The Musical is inspired by the hit movie of the same name, released in 2000 to considerable critical acclaim. The music is by Sir Elton John, a familiar name on the West End musical theatre scene. The lyrics – plus an excellent book – are by the talented Lee Hall, creator of the movie screenplay. And the screenplay was in turn inspired by author A. J. Cronin's 1935 book about a miners' strike, The Stars Look Down.

What's the plot? Meet eleven year old motherless Billy, a northern lad who isn't the least bit interested in boxing but loves to dance. When he trades his despised boxing gloves for ballet shoes, a complex personal struggle for fulfilment begins. The raw backdrop of the British miner's strike, community strife and poverty make Billy's fight for self-realisation particularly poignant as he battles against the powerful macho stereotypes of the era.

When the ballet teacher Mrs Wilkinson discovers Billy's considerable latent talent she soon realises he has a great deal of potential. But no-one, least of all his family, wants to support a boy who dreams about dancing. Billy trains secretly but the situation at home keeps getting worse. Finally, Mrs. Wilkinson secures the young lad an audition for the Royal Ballet School, and it's time to confess to his family...