Billy Elliot to Celebrate 1000th Show, Welcomes 2 New Billys

Elton John and Lee Hall's multi award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical, directed by Stephen Daldry, will celebrate its 1000th performance at the Victoria Palace Theatre on October 4, 2007 after opening in March 2005.  Additionally, two new Billys will join the cast shortly: Sam Angell (13 years old from Glasgow) and Joshua Fedrick (13 years old from Saltash, Cornwall).

In 2005 James Lomas, George Maguire and Liam Mower created the role of 11 year old Billy on stage and since its world premiere 11 boys have performed the title role.  Productions of Billy Elliot the Musical are due to open in Sydney, Australia in November this year, followed by a Broadway production in autumn 2008.

The current Billy Elliots are Dean McCarthy (15 years old from Clondalkin, Dublin), Layton Williams (14 years old from Manchester), Corey Snide, (14 years old from Albany, New York) and Oliver Taylor (13 years old from Devon) who perform alongside Jackie Clune (Mrs Wilkinson), James Gaddas (Dad), Chris Lennon (Tony), Ann Emery (Grandma), Trevor Fox (George), Alex Delamere (Mr Braithwaite), Sara Poyzer (Mum) and Isaac James (Older Billy).

"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," state press notes.

The score has been composed by music legend Elton John, 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 currently booked at the Victoria Palace Theatre (Victoria Street, London SW1) until December 20, 2008.  Performances are Monday through Saturday at 7:30PM, with Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2:30PM.  For tickets (£60.00 - £17.50) call the box office at 0870 895 5577.  For more information visit www.billyelliotthemusical.com

Corey Snide (Billy) in Billy Elliot the Musical, photo by David Scheinmann