Billy Elliot The Musical has announced that 12-year-old Ali Rasul will become the 33rd young actor in the show’s West End history to play the title role in Stephen Daldry’s acclaimed production.
The Hartlepool dancer joins the musical at an exciting time for the Lee Hall-penned long-running musical following last month’s Olivier Award win when it took home the publically voted BBC Radio 2 Audience Award. The production also recently celebrated welcoming its four millionth audience member at its home at the Victoria Palace theatre.
Based on the Oscar nominated film and featuring music by Elton John, Rasul will take on the famously inspirational leading role of a boy more interested in ballet shoes than boxing gloves. Set in the North East of England during the historic minors’ strike, Billy pursues his passion for dance in secret to avoid the disapproval of his struggling family.
Speaking about his new role, Rasul said: “I got into dancing when I was five-years-old and since then it has become my passion in life… After many auditions and lots of training I was finally picked to play the part of Billy Elliot. I was so surprised and excited to have been cast and I just can’t wait until my first performance on stage.”
Rasul will alternate the role with current Billys Harris Beattie, Tade Biesinger, Harrison Dowzell and Redmand Rance, and join cast members including Anna-Jane Casey, Deka Walmsley, Kevin Wathen and Ann Emery.