Billy Elliot the Musical to return to Australia In 2019
Elton John & Lee Hall with original Australian cast 2007. Photo: James D Morgan
Universal Theatrical Group, Working Title Films, Greene Light Stage, Michael Coppel Entertainment and Louise Withers Presents have announced that Billy Elliot the Musical will return to Australia in 2019 for its 10th Anniversary Tour.
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.
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, stage production is able to tour to other capital cities..
Billy Elliot the Musical will open at Sydney Lyric Theatre in October 2019 followed by planned seasons in Melbourne at the Regent Theatre from February 2020, Crown Theatre Perth from June 2020, QPAC’s Lyric Theatre in Brisbane from July 2020 and the Festival Theatre at Adelaide Festival Centre from September 2020.
Featuring music by 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 almost 12 million people worldwide and was the recipient of more than 80 awards internationally, including ten Tony Awards, five Olivier Awards and eight Helpmann Awards.
Billy Elliot the Musical’s composer Elton John had a close affinity with the original Australian production, attending the premiere in Sydney in 2007 and visiting again during his concert tour of Australia in 2008.
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.
It premiered in London in 2005 and 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 presented by Universal Theatrical Group, Working Title Films, Greene Light Stage, Michael Coppel Entertainment and Louise Withers Presents and is based on the Universal Pictures / Studio Canal film Billy Elliot.
Ticketing and casting information for the Australian 10th anniversary tour will be announced soon.
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