Photo Flash: BILLY ELLIOT Welcomes its 4 Millionth Audience Member in London!

Last night (11 April 2013), the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical welcomed its 4 millionth patron to the Victoria Palace Theatre. At the end of the performance Sharon Hick from Yorkshire and her party were invited up on stage by Deka Walmsley who plays Billy's Dad. Killian Donnelly who plays Billy's brother Tony escorted them to the stage to great applause from the sell-out audience.

Accompanying Sharon Hick were friend Jane Horsewood and daughters Amy and Meagan Horsewood, 12 and 14 years old respectively. Sharon was presented with a weekend stay in a London hotel, and Amy and Meagan were given a bag of goodies each including signed Billy Elliot posters. Following the presentation the party went backstage and were introduced to the cast led by Harrison Dowzell who played the title role of Billy Elliot at that performance.

Sharon Hick said "My friend Jane and I had been discussing taking Amy and Meagan on their first trip to London to see their first West End show. We thought Billy Elliot The Musical would be perfect. We could not believe we were there on such a special night! Being the four millionth patron and to see this production was incredible. It is a real testimony to how magical this show is that so many people have been through the doors at Victoria Palace Theatre to see it. We had a fantastic evening - Billy Elliot the Musical is excellent."

Twelve year old Harrison Dowzell from Nottinghamshire who played the title role of Billy Elliot last night said: "It was so lovely to see the surprise on the faces of Sharon and her party when they realised what was happening. What a special night it was to play Billy!"

Now in its eighth year, the internationally award-wining Billy Elliot the Musical has recently been shortlisted for the BBC Radio 2 Laurence Oliver Audience Award.

Based on the Oscar nominated film, Billy Elliot the Musical is an inspirational story of one boy's dream to realise his ambitions against the odds. Set in the North East of England against the background of the historic 1984/85 miners' strike, Billy pursues his passion for dance in secret to avoid disapproval of his struggling family.

Productions of Billy Elliot the Musical have been staged on Broadway, as well as in Sydney, Melbourne, Chicago, Toronto and Seoul, South Korea and has now been seen by over 8 million people. The touring production, which began in 2010, continues to play across North America and further international productions are planned.

Photo Credit: Samuel Weeks

Sharon Hick, Amy Horsewood, Meagan Horsewood and Deka Walmsley

Killian Donnelly, Sharon Hick, Meagan and Amy Horsewood, Deka Walmsley and Jane Horsewood

Amy Horsewood, Megan Horsewood, Sharon Hick with Deka Walmsley and the cast of Billy Elliot

Amy Horsewood, Megan Horsewood, Sharon Hick with Deka Walmsley and the cast of Billy Elliot