Now playing at The Arts Club Theatre Company Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, Billy Elliot is a feel good, good-time of a musical. Based on the critically acclaimed 2000 film of the same name, the musical is itself a multiple award-winning production with music by Elton John and book/lyrics by screenwriter Lee Hall.
Set in County Durham, England during the turbulent 1984 miner’s strike, Billy goes against the grain in his village filled with generations of pit workers. Instead of continuing his boxing classes, Billy finds an affinity for ballet and becomes a stand out in Mrs Wilkinson’s ballet classes. Fearing the reaction of his hard nosed father and even harder headed older brother who are embedded in the strike action Billy pushes ballet to the back burner when they do find out. However, when his skill and passion are finally seen by his father it’s his turn to face the conflict of supporting his youngest son or supporting his older son, and colleagues. Told with plenty of humour and heart, the show balances the emotional and sensitive moments with a good helping of laughs
With a number of children in the cast, the entire ensemble is excellent but the talented Nolan Fahey is a stand-out. Making his Arts Club debut as 11 year old Billy, does most of the musicals heavy lifting, appearing in nearly every scene, singing and dancing throughout. As Mrs Wilkinson, Arts Club veteran Caitriona Murphy is engaging as always, capable of going toe to toe with Billy’s gruff father, played by Warren Kimmel, and at the same time becoming a substitute mother for Billy.
Billy Elliot plays at The Arts Club Theatre Company Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage until July 10, 2016. Buy tickets online now.