Anna-Jane Casey and Ali Rasul in Billy Elliot The Musical (Photo: Alastair Muir)

Audience Award winner Billy extends

First Published 19 June 2013, Last Updated 19 June 2013

The hugely popular long-running musical Billy Elliot The Musical has extended its run at the Victoria Palace theatre until 21 June 2014.

Now in its ninth year, the Lee Hall-penned production has been seen by more than four million people in the West End since its world premiere in 2005 and today’s announcement follows the show’s success at this year’s Olivier Awards with MasterCard where it was awarded the publically voted BBC Radio 2 Audience Award.

Based on the Oscar nominated film, Billy Elliot The Musical tells the inspirational story of a boy’s dream to become a ballet dancer. Set in the North East of England against the background of the 1980s miners’ strike, Billy pursues his love of dance in secret to avoid the disapproval of his struggling family who would rather see him don boxing gloves than ballet shoes.

Packed full of musical theatre hits by legendary musician Elton John, including Electricity and Born To Boogie, the Stephen Daldry-directed show has been staged across the world in cities including New York, Sydney, Melbourne, Chicago, Toronto and Seoul.

The hit West End production’s cast features performances from Anna-Jane Casey, Deka Walmsley, Kevin Wathen and Howard Crossley, as well as Ann Emery, who originated her role of Grandma when the show opened in 2005. The leading role of Billy is alternated by young stars Tade Biesinger, Harrison Dowzell, Redmand Rance and Ali Rasul.

Billy Elliot The Musical is one of more than 30 top London shows taking part in this year’s Kids Week, which offers a free child’s ticket to participating productions per adult ticket purchased, plus up to another two children’s tickets half-price. Visit www.kidsweek.co.uk for more information and to book.

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