Billy Elliott
Milton Keynes Theatre 31st May - 17 June 2017
Billy Elliott has received more than 80 awards internationally, including 10 Tonys and 5 Oliviers, as well as standing ovations night after night and it is easy to see why it has.
Just as in the film, the show focuses on the political unrest of Thatcher's Britain and its effect on the mining industry in the North East of England. Just as the miners of County Durham march out (on what would end up being a year long strike) a young motherless Billy, grudgingly attends the weekly boxing lessons his father has scraped his fifty pence fee to attend.
Billy knows that boxing isn't really for him, so when he stumbles upon a girls ballet class, he's natural talent soon becomes apparent. Ballet teacher Mrs Wilkinson spots this and decides to privately coach him in readiness for an audition to attend the Royal Ballet School.
As the miners struggle to survive through their prolonged battle, Billy struggles with not only the challenges of getting into the most prestigious dance institution in the Country, but also the fight with his bigoted family. However, Billy finally wins his battle and his father (Martin Walsh) finally sees just how talented his son is.
This fantastic, life affirming story is an absolute winner. The outstanding cast literally threw their hearts and souls into every minute and it really shines through.
Haydn May taking the lead as Billy Elliott is a total star, his enthusiasm and dancing skills was a real treat to watch. One outstanding scene is that of Billy and his elder self dancing together to the music of Swan Lake and the other scene that sticks in my mind, sees Billy and his cross-dressing best friend Michael (Henry Farmer) perform a show stopping tap routine joined on stage by giant colourful dresses...and an unwanted pair of trousers. This is Henry Farmer's professional debut and what a debut!! He is absolutely brilliant!
Billy Elliott is a musical that can prompt tears of sadness and tears of happiness all at the same time, there wasn't a dry eye in the theatre as Billy read aloud a letter from his late mother alongside his supportive ballet teacher, Mrs Wilkinson (Anna-Jane Casey)
Peter Darling's choreography is stunning, Ian MacNeil's set perfectly suggests the crumbling community and Elton John's music (although not the most memorable of scores) is strong and flows well. For me, this show isn't about the music, it's about the magical moments within it.
This is totally unmissable!
Enjoy!
Lily B X
To book just visit Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) or go to www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes (bkg fee)
