BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL : A JOYOUS CELEBRATION OF DANCE

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL has danced back to Sydney with its tenth anniversary production.

The story is as heart warming as ever, as it charts the journey of Billy Elliot a young boy raised in a small, close British mining town. It is set against the very  dark  backdrop of the 1984/1985 miners’ strike with the miners defiantly clashing with none other than the Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher.

The scene where Billy is slow to leave a community hall after his boxing lesson and becomes entranced by a small ballet class which has taken over the space still has a lot of power.

Opening night was a great occasion with Jamie Rogers superb in the leading role. Jamie is sharing  playing the role with three other actors comprising Omar Abiad, River Mardesic and Wade Neilsen. Jamie’s performance  dancing was something to behold.

The very experienced Kelley Abbey impresses as the tough ballet teacher, Mrs Wilkinson who gives Billy Elliot a lot of support as he receives a lot of flak over taking up ballet dancing.

Justin Smith portrays Billy’s father as a stoic man who accepts Billy’s choice after he has recovered from the initial shock.

Vivian Davies portrays Billy’s grandmother as an eccentric, colourful figure.

Drew Livingston portrays Billy’s brother Tony as a short tempered, moody figure.

Robert Grubb portrays George, a miner and the town’s boxing coach as a gruff, humourless figure.

Other adult members forming the company included Dean Vince as Mr Brathwaite, Danielle Everett as the dead mother, Aaron Smyth as the older Billy, Damien Bermingham as Big Davy and Justin Anderson, Jordana Beatty, Dion Bilios, Josh Gardiner, Isabel Hawthorn, Matt Heyward, Barbara Hughes, Caroline Kaspar, Alexander ‘Zan’ Kermond, Zoe Komazec, Sarah Kate Landy, Michael Lindnder, Jayme-Jo Massoud, Joe Miller, Joshua Russell, David Sirianni, Lisa Sontag, Tahlia Tradecey, Darren Tyler and Paul Whiteley.

The very talented children’s cast comprised Mason Kidd, Hamish Monger, Oscar Mulcahy, James Sonnemann as Michael, Chanel Charles, Gabrielle Daggar as Debbie, Ella Tebbutt, Sienna Balewai, Tiarne Evans, Mia Jonson, Jamie Kelly, Melody Kurniawan, Tahlia McGregor, Sinenna Mifroforidis, Mica Santos, Indianna Thompson and Zoe Tsang.

Recommended, BILLY ELLIOTT THE MUSICAL, music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling, direction by Stephen Daldry, associate director Simon Pollard, is playing Sydney Lyric Theatre until Sunday December 15, 2019. The production then moves to the Festival Theatre at the  Adelaide Festival Centre.