West End Wednesday: BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL
Billy Elliot: The Musical is a 2005 British musical based on the critically acclaimed film of the same name. The film is set in the North East of England during the 80s and under the rule of Margaret Thatcher. Billy is forced to go to boxing classes by his father who is a miner striking on the picket line. When Billy becomes enamored by the ballet class that takes place after his boxing lessons, he is faced with the decision of following his heart or obeying his father’s traditional gender stereotyped views.
Popstar Elton John came on board to write the music, alongside Lee Hall who had written the film’s original screenplay, to pen the lyrics and book. The musical was originally set to open at the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle Upon-Tyne, however, due to the financial issues the theatre faced, this plan was abandoned, and the musical premiered at The Victoria Palace Theatre in London’s West End. The musical was also directed and choreographed by Stephen Daldry and Peter Darling who both worked in those roles on the original film. The set was designed by Ian MacNeil, costumes were by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting was by Nick Fisher, and sound was by Paul Arditti. Due to the physical demand of the role and child licensing laws, the role of Billy was alternated by three different actors weekly. The original Billys were Liam Mower, James Lomas and George Maguire. Mrs Wilkinson was played by Hadyn Gwynne, Tim Healy played Billy’s Dad, Joe Caffrey played Tony, Ann Emery played Grandma, Steve Elias played Mr Braithwaite, Stephanie Putson played Mum and Ryan Longbottom, Ashley Luke Lloyd and Brad Kavanagh alternated the role of Michael. The show opened to rave reviews and commercial success and won four Oliviers. The production closed in 2016 after an eleven-year run due to refurbishments needing to happen to the theatre. During the run the producer set up ‘Billy School’ which was a training facility to get future Billy’s and Michael’s show ready.
The original Broadway production opened for previews at the Imperial Theater on 1 October 2008. This was a replica production using the same creative team as the original London production. The title role of Billy was alternated by David Alvarez, Kiril Kulish and Trent Kowalik who all went on to win the TONY Award for Best performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. Trent Kowalik had previously played the role in the London production. There was initial hesitation as to whether the show would be well received in America due to the show being so inherently about Thatcherism and a specific point in British history, however, the opposite happened, and the production proved to be a smash it. The Broadway iteration garnered fifteen TONY nominations, ultimately winning ten awards including the coveted ‘Best Musical’ gong. Gwynn reprised her role of Mrs Wilkinson on Broadway, Gregory Jbara played Billy’s Dad, Santino Fontana played Tony, Carole Shelley played Grandma, Thommie Retter played Mr Braithwaite, Leah Hockey played Mum and David Bologna and Frank Dolce alternated the role of Michael. The production closed in January 2012.
The Australian production ran for two years between 2007-2009, first playing Sydney and then Melbourne. Again, the Australian production was a massive success and won seven Helpmann awards including ‘Best Musical’.
The production toured twice in North America, the first in early 2010 in a non-traditional sense being as its only two venues were Chicago and Toronto for extended periods of time. The second tour opened a few months after but had a more traditional touring pattern and ran til 2013, whilst the first national tour closed in 2011.
The musical has been replicated in many countries internationally, with the Madrid production being the third longest running in the show’s history.
In 2014, the West End production was live streamed to cinemas around the UK. The streaming was so successful it shot to number one in the box office and incited encore screenings. The recording was then made available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray.
Besties, I can’t believe that any of you haven’t listened to Billy Elliot but if this is the case, get it going!
Cast recording available from streaming service. DVD/Blu-Ray available from most retailers.
FACTS:
Music: Elton John
Lyrics: Lee Hall
Book: Lee Hall
Theatre: The Victoria Palace Theatre
Run: 31 March 2005 – 9 April 2016 (4,600 performances)
TONYS
(NOMINATED) Best Original Score- Elton John and Lee Hall, Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical – David Bologna, Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical – Haydn Gwynne, Carole Shelley, Best Costume Design – Nicky Gillibrand.
(WON) Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical – Lee Hall, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical – David Alvarez, Kiril Kulish and Trent Kowalik, Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical – Gregory Jbara, Best Direction of a Musical – Stephen Daldry, Best Choreography – Peter Darling, Best Orchestrations – Martin Koch, Best Scenic Design – Ian Macneil, Best Lighting Design – Rick Fisher, Best Sound Design – Paul Arditti
OLIVIERS:
(NOMINATED) Best Actress in a Musical – Haydn Gwynne, Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical – Tim Healy, Best Director – Stephen Daldry, Best Set Design – Ian MacNeil, Best Lighting Design – Rick Fisher
(WON) Best Musical, Best Actor in a Musical – James Lomas, George Maguire and Liam Mower, Best Theatre Choreographer – Peter Darling, Best Sound Design – Paul Arditti. Audience Award for Most Popular Show (2013)
