Billy Elliot returns to Australia for 10th anniversary tour, 2019

Billy Elliot the Musical will return to Australia for a 10th Anniversary Tour, commencing ten years after the show’s final curtain in Australia.

The production will open at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre in October 2019 with seasons planned in Melbourne at the Regent Theatre from February 2020, Crown Theatre Perth from June 2020, QPAC’s Lyric Theatre in Brisbane from July 2020 and the Festival Theatre at Adelaide Festival Centre from September 2020.

Presented by Universal Theatrical Group, Working Title Films, Greene Light Stage, Michael Coppel Entertainment and Louise Withers Presents, Billy Elliot the Musical is a funny, gritty, heart-warming and feel-good celebration following the journey of a young boy raised in a small British mining town. Set against the backdrop of the 1984/85 miners’ strike, Billy’s journey takes him out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family, the whole community and changes his life forever.

Billy enjoyed huge critical acclaim in Sydney and Melbourne a decade ago, however the physical design was so complex at the time, that touring beyond those two cities was not possible. Now with some clever adjustments, the Producers are delighted that this incredible stage production is able to tour to other capital cities.

Featuring music by the legendary Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical has been seen by almost 12 million people worldwide and won over 80 awards internationally, including 8 Helpmann Awards in Australia.

Elton John said “Billy Elliot for me is one of the most rewarding and creative works of my career. I have very fond memories of the Sydney production in 2007 as it was the first city outside of the UK we mounted the show and found many incredibly talented children who would go on to carry the show through its successful Australian run. It is truly the most heart-warming show and I am so grateful that new generations of Australians will continue to experience its joy and inspiration.”

Australian Producer Louise Withers said, “Having been a part of the life of Billy Elliot worldwide for over 13 years, we are absolutely ecstatic that we have the opportunity to bring Billy back to Australia. The Australian creative and technical team of the 2007 production, have since been taken across the world to stage productions in other countries, including Japan and Korea, and the original Australian Billys are excelling in their chosen paths of the industry. It further goes to show that Australian artists and creatives are leaders in their field. This 10th Anniversary Tour will bring our Australian team back together, to re-stage Billy and celebrate its 10th Anniversary here in Australia.”

Based on the film of the same name, the musical opened in the UK in 2005. No details on auditions or cast have been announced at this stage.