One of the century's most exciting musicals is coming to Newcastle!
From 7 October 2023 the West End and Broadway phenomenon, BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL, makes its way for the first time to Newcastle for a strictly limited three-week season at the Civic Theatre, a perfect gift for your mum this Mother's Day!
From the producers of 2022’s Newcastle musical theatre event of the year, Jersey Boys, comes the blockbuster event hailed by critics as: “THE BEST SHOW YOU WILL EVER SEE!” - New York Post.
Since its premiere in 2005, BILLY ELLIOT has been seen by almost 12 million people, on five different continents, and remains one of the most popular musicals in the world.
Producer and Artistic Director of The Very Popular Theatre Company, Daniel Stoddart said: “Given its global following, we are ecstatic to finally give audiences in Newcastle and the Hunter region the opportunity to relish in this funny, touching, inspiring and uplifting night at the theatre.
“In 2022, Very Pop was one of only four theatre companies granted a licence to stage this show outside of an Australian capital city. We are particularly delighted to be the first of those four companies to actually produce it - we wasted no time getting plans in place to bring this one to Newcastle audiences”.
Featuring music by the legendary Elton John, BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL is a coming of age story of the motherless boy who begins taking ballet lessons, only to discover an entirely new world awaiting him.
Set in a northern English town during the miners’ strike of 1984/5, the show follows Billy’s journey from boxing ring to ballet class, where he uncovers a passion for dance which unites his family, inspires his community and changes his life forever.
Brought to life by the award-winning creative team behind the smash hit film, BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL is an extraordinary theatrical experience.
“After charming packed houses on Broadway and in the West End, Newcastle is going to fall in love with Billy too!” Stoddart said.
“In 2022, we broke box office records by selling more than 11,000 tickets to Jersey Boys. We expect Billy to, likewise, attract thousands of people into the city.
“This is a significant boost for local tourism and shines a spotlight on our city as a major centre for world class musical theatre and entertainment.”
Auditions were held in February and a stellar cast has been assembled, including Australian Musical Theatre leading light, Chloe Dallimore, as the dance teacher, Mrs Wilkinson. Chloe will star alongside a host of Newcastle Theatre luminaries, including Danny Folpp, Marty Worrall and Felicity Biggins, just to name a few.
The lead role has been double-cast with up-and-coming talents 12-year old Lewis Nicholson and 13-year-old Fergus Paterson, with the duo alternating performances over the three week run at the Civic Theatre.
The role of Billy’s best friend, Michael, has also been double-cast and will be played by Conway Oakhill-Saarenpaa and Charlie Murphy. Charlie was delighted to be cast, fresh from his return to Australia, following his remarkable run on the West End in London as Michael Banks in Mary Poppins.
In a unique collaboration showcasing the very best of Dance and Drama on offer in Newcastle, Very Pop is collaborating with National College of Dance (NCD) to train the four young male leads in ballet, jazz and acro, and assist with vocal coaching.
They have already commenced training in what has been dubbed ‘Billy School’. Every Tuesday and Thursday they are undertaking private lessons with NCD’s Artistic Director, Brett Morgan, and Creative Director, Jake Burden. Brett and Jake are working in collaboration with the official Billy Elliot choreographer, Lauren Harvey, to prepare the young performers for these monumental roles in the lead up to full cast rehearsals commencing in July.
“We are thrilled to have assembled such a strong cast and to be collaborating with NCD to ensure their performances are world class,” said Stoddart.
“This show is irresistible and shamelessly enjoyable and Billy Elliot is the perfect vehicle to showcase the exciting new talent coming through Newcastle’s dance and drama schools.
“We know the story of the working class boy battling for acceptance and recognition will resonate with Newcastle audiences and they’ll delight in seeing a performer of Chloe’s stature working with local talent - both established and emerging - to bring this captivating tale to life on the magnificent Civic Theatre stage.
BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL
Where: Civic Theatre Newcastle
When: 7 - 21 October
Premium Plus Reserve $119* (1 x Premium Plus ticket and beverage at interval).
Premium Reserve $99* (1 x Premium seat only)
A Reserve $69*
B Reserve $59*
Billy Elliot The Musical tickets here.