BILLY ELLIOT Hits 1,700 Shows At Victoria Palace, Oliver Gardner Joins Cast 5/12

On 12 May 2009, as Billy Elliot the Musical celebrates its fourth birthday and its 1700th performance at the Victoria Palace Theatre in the West End, 12 year old Oliver Gardner from Bath will join the London cast making him the thirty-second boy to play the iconic role of Billy worldwide, first performed by Jamie Bell in the original film. Billy Elliot the Musical, which has now played to over 3.3 million people worldwide since its world premiere four years ago, releases thousands of new tickets for sale this week for bookings up to 3 April 2010.

Today in New York it was announced that Billy Elliot the Musical has received 15 Tony Awards nominations, including Best Actor for David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish, the original Broadway Billys who made their stage debut a year ago in a surprise performance at the London production's third birthday, as well as Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book, Best Director, Best Choreography and Best Featured actress in a Musical for Haydn Gwynne who originated the role of Mrs Wilkinson on stage in London. This year's Tony Award winners will be announced on 7 June. Earlier this week it was announced that Billy Elliot the Musical has won the 2009 New York Drama Critics' Circle Best Musical Award.

The international smash-hit production directed by Stephen Daldry with a score by Elton John, has award-winning choreography by Peter Darling, designs by Ian MacNeil, sound by Paul Arditti and lighting by Rick Fisher. Billy Elliot the Musical is presented in London by Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Tiger Aspect. Billy Elliot the Musical, based on the Universal Pictures/Studio Canal film, opened on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre in November 2008 and is also playing at Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne, following a successful Sydney season at The Capitol Theatre.

Set in the North East, Billy Elliot the Musical is a funny, heart-warming and feel-good celebration of one young boy's dreams. This new staging of Billy Elliot the Musical is an adaptation of one of the most adored British films of the last decade which broke box office records across the world and was nominated for 3 Oscars and 13 BAFTA Awards.

"My name is Ollie and I am 12 years old and I live in Bath with my Mum, Dad and sister Stanya as well as our dog Salty and two cats Gus and Bella. My family are really musical and I started dancing when I was 5 years old, learning ballet, tap and modern at Dorothy Coleborn School of Dancing. When I was 9 years old I became a Junior Associate of the Royal Ballet School and later a Mid Associate. After many months of training in London, I was thrilled when I found out I would be playing my dream role of Billy Elliot in the West End. The training has been hard work but all the teachers made it fun and I love being part of such a great Company. I want to thank my family for always supporting and believing in me, and all my teachers, especially Karen, Damian, Nick, Lee and David. Cheers to all my great mates at Kingswood School - I can't wait for you all to come and see me in the show!"

Oliver Gardner joins Tom Holland (12 years old from Kingston-upon-Thames), Tanner Pflueger (12 years old from Norfolk, Nebraska), Fox Jackson-Keen (13 years old from Hornsey, London) and Bradley Wilson (12 years old from Doncaster) who alternate the title role of Billy alongside principal cast members Kate Graham (Mrs Wilkinson), Joe Caffrey (Dad), Craig Gallivan (Tony), Ann Emery (Grandma), Trevor Fox (George), Sean Kingsley (Mr Braithwaite), Stephanie Putson (Dead Mum) and Barnaby Meredith (Older Billy).

Joining the Company in June are 12 year old Connor Doyle from Walsall and 12 year old Jake Pratt originally from Scarborough, now living in Middlesex, who will alternate the role of Billy's best friend Michael alongside George Maycock (11 years old from Solihull). Ten year old Francesca Mango from Northumberland and 11 year old Fleur Houdijk from Hartlepool join the company to play Debbie, alongside Annabelle Crosby-Stewart (11 years old from Darlington).

Booking until: currently booking until 3 April 2010

Theatre: Victoria Palace Theatre

Victoria Street

London SW1

Box Office: 0870 895 5577

Tickets: £19.50 - £65.00

Performances: Monday - Saturday at 7.30pm
Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm

Website: www.billyelliotthemusical.com