Leicester’s Curve theatre have announced that they will stage a new UK production of the musical Billy Elliot.
Based on the award winning 2000 film of the same name, Billy Elliot: the Musical will be directed by Nikolai Foster, the theatre’s artistic director and will be choreographed by Lucy Hind.
Set during the 1984/85 miners’ strike, this musical is an inspiring coming-of-age story about a young working class boy who develops an immense passion for ballet. Confronted with incessant adversity from family and peers, Billy must confront rigid gender and social stereotypes in a bid to forge his own destiny and follow his dreams.
The renowned show will run exclusively at Curve from 7 July to 14 August 2022. It will feature music from Elton John and will include many well-known hits from the musical such as ‘Solidarity’, ‘He Could Be a Star’ and ‘Electricity’. Lyrics will be written by Lee Hall who also wrote the screenplay for the original film. Set and costumes will be designed by Colin Richmond, with lighting from Curve associate Ben Cracknell.
While full casting is yet to be announced, budding young performers are invited to upcoming auditions managed by Jo Hawes CDG, the leading children’s casting director in the UK.
“We are beyond excited to share Lee Hall and Elton John’s astonishing musical Billy Elliot with Curve audiences, ensuring summer 2022 in Leicester is truly memorable,” said the Curve’s chief executive Chris Stafford and Nikolai Foster.
“Billy Elliot is a musical filled with incredible characters, epic ideas and at its heart, the story of a young boy who has the passion and courage to dance down a different path from the one prescribed for him. We are indebted to the incredible creatives who made Billy such a hit and hugely grateful they have trusted us to create the first brand new UK production for our audiences in Leicester.”
Tickets will be available from 12pm on 11 October through Curve’s website.
Words by Katie Heyes
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