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Published on February 5th, 2020 | by Adrian Gunning

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL ARRIVES IN MELBOURNE IN 2 WEEKS!

Presented by Universal Theatrical Group, Working Title Films, Greene Light Stage, Michael Coppel Entertainments and Louise Withers Presents, the 10th Anniversary Australian tour has completed critically acclaimed Sydney and Adelaide seasons and now opens in Melbourne in just 2 weeks. The incredible production plays at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre from February 20 until April 19 2020.

‘Extraordinarily powerful…Billy Elliot feels as timely as ever…joyously uplifting’ – LIMELIGHT

‘There might not be a better musical to love than Billy Elliot…breathtaking…a show that reminds us we’re stronger, and better, when we look out for each other’ – THE GUARDIAN

‘Bravo, Billy Elliot a show with huge heart, hearty laughter and stinging reality’ – DAILY TELEGRAPH

‘Sheer enjoyment and musical theatre magic meet social realism in an inspirational night out’ –  THE MUSIC

‘Slick and fast moving. The young performers don’t just steal the show, they own it’ –  SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

ELECTRIFYING AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTION VISION HERE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVCU4Vytb_E

Featuring music by the legendary Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical has been seen by over 12 million people worldwide.  Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, it is the recipient of 85 awards internationally, including 10 Tony Awards, 5 Olivier Awards and 8 Helpmann Awards.

Sharing the celebrated lead role are Omar Abiad (12, from Brisbane), River Mardesic (11, from Melbourne), Wade Neilsen (13, from Newcastle) and Jamie Rogers (13, from Canberra). The boys were cast following extensive auditions, and after months of intensive rehearsals will alternate in the role of Billy in the Australian tour of Billy Elliot the Musical. All four boys are making their professional debut playing this most extraordinary and inspiring role.

Starring alongside these talented boys as the tough but supportive ballet teacher Mrs Wilkinson is Lisa Sontag. Justin Smith plays the role of Dad, Billy’s stoic father and most poignantly he also starred as Tony, Billy’s older brother in the original Australian production of Billy Elliot the Musical. Playing Billy’s eccentric Grandma is actress Vivien Davies, Billy’s hot-headed brother Tony is played by Drew Livingston and Award winning actor Robert Grubb stars as George, a miner and the town’s boxing coach.

Other adult cast members forming this outstanding company include Dean Vince (Mr Braithwaite), Danielle Everett (Dead Mum), Aaron Smyth (Older Billy), Damien Bermingham (Big Davy) and (in alphabetical order) Justin Anderson, Jordana Beatty, Dion Bilios, Rachel Cole, Josh Gardiner, Isabel Hawthorne, Matt Heyward, Barbara Hughes, Caroline Kaspar, Alexander ‘Zan’ Kermond, Zoë Komazec, Sarah Kate Landy, Michael Lindner, Jayme-Jo Massoud, Joe Miller, Joshua Russell, David Sirianni, Lisa Sontag, Tahlia Traecey, Darren Tyler and Paul Whiteley.

The incredible childrens cast includes Mason Kidd, Hamish Monger, Oscar Mulcahy, James Sonnemann (Michael), Chanel Charles, Gabrielle Daggar, Ella Tebbutt (Debbie) and in alphabetical order Sienna Balewai, Tiarne Evans, Mia Jonson, Jamie Kelly, Melody Kurniawan, Tahlia McGregor, Sienna Miroforidis, Mica Santos, Indianna Thompson and Zoe Tsang.

The hugely successful West End musical premiered in Australia in 2007 as the first international production outside of the UK, prior to its Broadway premiere.  With the first Australian tour concluding in Melbourne in 2009, this new 10th Anniversary Tour kicks off in 2019, ten years after the curtain came down in Australia. Billy enjoyed huge critical acclaim with Sydney and Melbourne audiences flocking to the theatre, however the physical design was so complex at the time, that touring beyond those two cities was not possible.  Now with some clever adjustments, the Producers are delighted that this incredible stage production is able to tour to other capital cities. Now all of Australia can experience the magic and fall in love with Billy Elliot the Musical.

Based on the film of the same name, Billy Elliot the Musical is a funny, gritty, heart-warming and feel- good celebration following the journey of a young boy raised in a small British mining town. Set against the backdrop of the 1984/’85 miners’ strike, Billy’s journey takes him out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family, the whole community and changes his life forever.

Billy Elliot the Musical premiered in London in 2005 and since then has been seen across five continents, winning numerous awards and millions of fans along the way. After winning five Olivier Awards including Best Actor in a Musical for the three Billys and Best Musical, the first international production opened in Sydney in 2007 which garnered eight Helpmann Awards including Best Musical and Best Actor in a Musical for the four boys who shared the role of Billy in 2008. This was followed by an incredibly successful Broadway run which had the extraordinary honour of winning ten Tony Awards in 2009, including Best Musical, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Male Actor in a Musical for the three boys that shared the role of Billy. Productions have been staged all over the world including the West End, Australia, Broadway, North American tour, Chicago, Toronto, The Netherlands, UK & Ireland Tour, Hamburg, Tokyo and Seoul.

Billy Elliot the Musical was brought to the stage by the multiple award-winning creative team behind the film including writer Lee Hall (book and lyrics), director Stephen Daldry and choreographer Peter Darling, joined by Elton John who composed the show’s score. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, costume design by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch.

Billy Elliot the Musical is based on the Universal Pictures / Studio Canal film BILLY ELLIOT.

Producers: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jon Finn, Sally Greene, Louise Withers, Michael Coppel & Linda Bewick

Executive Producers: Angela Morrison and David Furnish

Executive Producer Australia: Philippa Gowen

MELBOURNE – REGENT THEATRE FEBRUARY 20 UNTIL APRIL 19

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

BILLYELLIOTTHEMUSICAL.COM.AU

@billyelliotaustralia #BillyElliotAU


About the Author

agun@impulsegamer.com'

Adrian lives in Melbourne Australia and has a huge passion for gaming, technology and pop culture. He recently finished his a Bachelor of Journalism and is currently focusing on games journalism. When not writing and playing video games, Adrian can be found in Comics 'R' Us debating the pros of the DC Universe and cons of the Marvel Universe.


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