On Sunday 28th September, for the first time ever, Billy Elliot: the Musical was streamed live to cinemas across the UK. Back when the musical was first released, it was immediately a hit worldwide, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2009, as well as 9 other Tony Awards, and 4 Laurence Olivier Awards, so many were excited about the opportunity to see it performed live from their closest cinema. It was later announced that the production would be released on DVD and Blu-ray for fans.
This streamed live production of the show featured the current west end cast, including Elliot Hanna as Billy, Ruthie Henshall as Mrs Wilkinson the dance teacher and Deka Walmsley as Jackie Elliot, Billy’s father. It also contained an extra dance medley after the usual finale, featuring many of the old actors to have played the title character Billy, many of which are young adults now. The first ever actor to play the role, Liam Mower, also took on the role of ‘Older Billy’ in this production. He has recently starred in various other musicals and a production of the ballet Swan Lake.
The show is based around a young boy living during the Miners’ Strike in the 1980s. Whilst his father and brother are on strike against Margaret Thatcher’s rule, Billy, by accident, finds himself in a ballet lesson. With time, he realises that he enjoys dancing, and so is persuaded to keep going. His family is not supportive of this dream and try to stop him from continuing, but it is his, and his dance teacher’s job to make them come around to the idea. Eventually Billy’s Father must make the choice whether to continue with the strike or to help his son achieve his dream.
This show has some of the best songs in musical theatre, including the hit song ‘Electricity’, as well as one of the most beautiful and dramatic storylines, and is at times educational, if like me you weren’t alive in the 80s, since it is set during what was a turbulent time for the country. It is really enjoyable how the writer, lyricist and composer tackled some of the issues of the time-period, such as the riots between striking miners and policemen, as depicted in the song ‘Solidarity’. The film is of course based on the popular movie of the same name, which was also written by Lee Hall. Upon seeing the film, Elton John, the man responsible for the music from the Lion King, and a load of hit pop songs, felt so moved that he immediately spoke to Lee Hall about making a musical of the story.
I was at first sceptical when this show was recommended to me, not being a massive dance fan in general, but with one viewing, I was completely converted. I can only recommend that you tap dance your way to the Victoria Palace Theatre soon! If you still want to see the show, but can’t make the theatre performance right now, you could also get your hands on the recording of the live performance, or the soundtrack to the show to enjoy this masterpiece in the comfort of your own home. It also makes it much easier to sing along!!!
Image from: http://www.londontheatrebookings.com/user_content/images/shows/4-billy_elliot/poster.jpg
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