Billy Elliot

Billy Elliot the Musical opened in the West End in 2005 at the Victoria Palace Theatre. It has become one of the more popular choices of musical in the West End and has had acclaimed critical success too. Book a stay at the Georgian House Hotel when you book your tickets to see Billy Elliot.

The musical was developed after the success of the 2000 film written by Lee Hall and directed by Stephen Daldry. In 2001, author Melvin Burgess was commissioned to write the novel of the film based on Lee Hall's screenplay. The story was adapted to the West End stage as Billy Elliot the Musical in March 2005.

Billy Elliot is set in the fictional town of 'Everington' in the real County Durham, UK. It is the story of 11-year-old Billy, an aspiring dancer, his father, Jackie and older brother, Tony that work during the UK miners' strike of 1984 and 1985.

Billy's father is an admirer of world boxing champion Ken Buchanan, and hopes that Billy will become a champion boxer, but Billy is more interested in music and ballet.

Billy is taken to the boxing gym by his father although he doesn’t really like it. Part of the boxing gym is used by a ballet class as their usual studio in the basement of the sports centre is being used as a soup kitchen for the striking miners. He is taken in by his dance instructor and starts to secretly take ballet class.

Billy’s father and brother become outraged at the idea of Billy becoming a professional ballet dancer, but on seeing Billy dance his father understands that ballet is Billy's passion and he takes him to a London audition. Billy is accepted and moves to London on his own at age 11 to attend the school and goes on to have great success.

Billy Elliot the Musical was developed on the back of the success of the film. After the musical opened in March 2005, it was nominated for nine Laurence Olivier Awards, winning four including Best New Musical.

The success of Billy Elliot the Musical has also led to productions in Australia and a Broadway production.  The Australian production of the musical opened at Sydney's Capitol Theatre on 13 November 2007. The production is scheduled to open on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre on 1 October 2008.

The music for Billy Elliot is by Sir Elton John, and book and lyrics are by Lee Hall who wrote the film's original screenplay.  The musical is a really enjoyable feel good tale of triumph over adversity and makes for a great evening out.