Holland and Pflueger Are West End's Two New 'Billy Elliots '

Tom Holland (age 12 from Kingston-upon-Thames) and Tanner Pflueger (age 13 from Norfolk, Nebraska, USA) are to join the cast of the Billy Elliot the Musical next month to play the title role following in the footsteps of Jamie Bell who created the iconic role on film, and sixteen other boys who have played Billy on stage at the Victoria Palace Theatre.

Having recently celebrated three years in the West End and over 1,400 performances, Billy Elliot the Musical has now played to over 2.5 million people world-wide since its world premiere at the Victoria Palace Theatre in May 2005.   On 13 November 2008, Billy Elliot the Musical opens on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre with previews from 1 October.   The Australian production premiered at Sydney's The Capitol Theatre last year and will end its year long run in November ahead of a transfer to Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre previewing from 13 December 2008, opening on 31 December 2009.

Billy Elliot the Musical is set in the North East and is a funny, heart-warming and feel-good celebration of one young boy's dreams.  This new staging of Billy Elliot the Musical is an adaptation of one of the most adored British films of the last decade which broke box office records across the world and was nominated for 3 Oscars and 13 BAFTA Awards.

The score for Billy Elliot the Musical has been composed by music legend Elton John, the most celebrated UK singer songwriter of the last 30 years, choreography is by Peter Darling, designs are by Ian MacNeil with sound by Paul Arditti and lighting by Rick Fisher.  Billy Elliot the Musical is presented in London by Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Tiger Aspect.  Billy Elliot the Musical is based on the Universal Pictures/Studio Canal film.

Tom Holland and Tanner Pflueger join current Billy Elliots Joshua Fedrick (13 years old from Saltash, Cornwall), Fox Jackson-Keen (13 years old from Hornsey, London) and Layton Williams (14 years old from Manchester) who perform alongside principal cast members Jackie Clune (Mrs Wilkinson), Phil Whitchurch (Dad), Chris Lennon (Tony), Ann Emery (Grandma), Trevor Fox (George), Alex Delamere (Mr Braithwaite), Sara Poyzer (Mum) and Barnaby Meredith (Older Billy).

TOM HOLLAND joins cast on 8 September 2008

"I am 12 years old and I live in Kingston-upon-Thames with my Mum, Dad and three brothers, Sam, Harry and Paddy.  I started dancing at Lynne Paige's Nifty Feet Dance School in Wimbledon taking hip hop class on Saturdays.  Lynne also trained Jamie Bell who played Billy Elliot in the film!  I was spotted at a local showcase and was asked to audition for Billy Elliot the Musical.  I started to take ballet classes at home in our garage and two years later, after a lot of hard work, I was so excited to be cast as Billy.  I have loved my training and would like to thank all my amazing teachers who have taught me everything I know.  I can't wait for all my friends from Donhead Wimbledon College Preparatory School to come and see me on stage.  My Mum and Dad joke about who I take after - I've seen them both dance and I have to say, there must have been a mix up at the hospital!"

Tanner Pflueger joins cast on 29 September 2008

"I am 13 years old and I live in Norfolk, Nebraska with my Mom Jan, my Dad Marty, my big brother Tyler and my dog Charlie.  I love to dance.  It all started when I was 7 years old and my cousin Brandi asked me if I wanted to join her classes rather than watch her.  Going along to the class was the best decision I ever made.  I first danced at Broadway and Main Street Dance Studio followed by four years at Nebraska Dance.  I enjoyed my lessons so much.  I took classes in a wide range of styles from tap to lyrical.  In 2006/07 I was crowned the West Coast Dance Elite Junior Dance Champion as well as being placed first in the Modern category with my solo at the Youth America Grand Prix competition.  I have to thank my Mom and Dad who drove me back and forth to my dance lessons which took 2 hours each time, and I also have to thank my big brother Tyler who put up with it!  A big thanks also to all my dance teachers - Brandi, Kathy, Stephanie, Tricia, Sally, Sarah, Mary Clare and Kelly - who have all helped me along the way to becoming Billy Elliot!"

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