Billy Elliot-The Musical Live

Elliott2
Maybe I’m amazed with Elliott Hanna performance as Billy Elliot in the Victoria Palace Theatre, London production now seen in cinemas worldwide

Rarely does a stage show translate so well when filmed and transferred to the big screen. BILLY ELLIOT-THE MUSICAL LIVE is so well produced you really feel like you’re in the theatre watching it. The movie was shot on 35mm film in London’s West End at the Victoria Palace Theatre, where it has been running since 2005. The movie will screen for one day only in Sydney this Sunday October 5th.

Elliott Hanna (11 years old), from Liverpool, is the youngest boy ever to play the title role, having made his debut at the age of 10. He shares the role of Billy with 3 other young actors and was lucky to have performed it on September 28th, the night the film was shot. He is brilliant in this role. Elliott opens the film with great warmth and charm, telling us as we follow him, that the actors don’t go in the front door, but through the stage door. He takes us backstage, showing us props and various vantage points.

The pre-show has us in the audience, giving the impression that we are there. The play starts. Its slick direction by Stephen Daldry and sharp choreography by Peter Darling takes us on a rollercoaster of witty dialogue, fabulous dancing and angry, funny and sad moments – Billy’s mother has recently died and appears onstage with him from time to time.

The story is set in a northern mining town during the 1984/85 miners’ strike. Billy’s father, Jackie (played with great passion by Deka Walmsley) and his brother, Tony (an equally robust performance by Chris Grahamson) are die-hard union members of the coal mines, which are heading for shut down by then PM Margaret Thatcher. Billy half-heartedly attends local boxing lessons and stays behind one afternoon to encounter the enigmatic ballet teacher, Mrs Wilkinson (a magnetic, funny and seductive performance by Ruthie Henshall) and her posse of female students. Billy realises, with harsh encouragement by Mrs W., that dancing is his destiny, much to the chagrin of his father, and he finally gets his audition for the Royal Ballet.

The supporting cast are great, particularly Billy’s grandma, a delightfully eccentric character (played by Ann Emery). Liam Mower (22), a beautiful dancer, who played the original Billy in 2005, returns for this special event as the older Billy. The film also brings onstage twenty-five former and current Billy Elliots in a specially choreographed mash-up finale.

The greatest addition to Billy Elliot is the music of Elton John…moving ballads and raunchy rock bring constant energy to the show. This film is certainly worth catching.

For tickets to BILLY ELLIOT-THE MUSICAL LIVE, please check your local cinema websites for Sunday October 5th sessions.