The film had us all dancing and crying in the cinema and now the hit West End musical, which has recently debuted on Broadway as well, is aiming to do the exact same thing. Fans of the film and newcomers alike will be equally delighted by what is on offer here. Many of the lyrics for the show were written by Elton John, including the heartbreaking and wonderful ‘Electricity’ and, when you have talented stars such as that working on your show it really is hard to mess things up- the combination of moving story and Elton’s words makes for a wonderful experience.
The story is set in a northern working-class town during the miners’ strike and, through the story of Billy Eliot, a young boy who wants to dance; the show explores ideas of failed masculinity, communities in crisis and what the idea of freedom really entails. The films transfer onto the West End has presented the opportunity for the dance element of the show to be explored in much detail and this is what happens here- another layer which couldn’t be explored in the film is opened up and becomes an integral part of the tale which is being told. Another area which gets a much larger piece of the action in the stage show is the part of Billy’s grandma; quietly moving but never really centre-stage in the film version, she gets her own solo in this production! That’s got to be worth the price of entry alone!
Eventually, Billy’s talent is recognised and he gets an audition down in London and a chance to escape the poverty and violence which is rife in his home town. Those of you who’ve seen the film will know what happens in the end and for those of you who haven’t, well, you will just have to go and see the show to find out won’t you. It’s currently on at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London and it is certainly a show which you will remember for a very long time to come. Due to the strong language which is used during performances the show isn’t really suitable for those under 12. A great excuse to leave the kids at home and go out and enjoy a night of blissful theatrical entertainment; you’ll be dancing all the way through the next week and beyond!
