BILLY ELLIOT Launches Billy Youth Theatre To Celebrate Five Years in The West End

To celebrate five amazing years in the West End, the producers of Billy Elliot the Musical have launched Billy Youth Theatre, an exciting new initiative providing schools and youth groups around the country with the opportunity to perform their own productions of this internationally award-winning show.

Billy Elliot writer Lee Hall, together with Martin Koch (Musical Supervision and Orchestrations), have adapted their original script and orchestrations to produce a shortened version of the show exclusively for groups staging local productions as part of Billy Youth Theatre.

To support and encourage the local productions, the directors of the participating groups will be given a unique opportunity to come to London in December to take part in a specially created all day workshop led by the award-winning team that brings Billy Elliot to life each day on the London stage. Participating on the day, alongside writer Lee Hall, will be Resident Choreographers, Lee Proud and Damian Jackson, Musical Director, Chris Hatt and Resident Director, Nick Evans as well as some former and current cast members.

Lee Hall, who originally conceived the idea behind Billy Youth Theatre, said: "I am delighted that young people around the country will have the opportunity to bring the story of Billy Elliot to life in their local communities with the help and guidance of our creative team".

Billy Elliot director, Stephen Daldry said: "It is very exciting that we are able to offer young people around the country a chance to pour their energy and creativity into local productions of Billy Elliot. We are looking forward to seeing their ideas brought to life."

Productions of Billy Elliot from around the country will be invited to perform excerpts from their productions at showcases held at major regional theatres between April and June 2010. This will culminate with some groups being offered the opportunity to follow in the steps of Billy and perform at the Billy Youth Theatre West End Gala at the Victoria Palace Theatre, Billy's London home, in July 2010.

Billy Youth Theatre is open to schools and established youth groups in England, Scotland and Wales, and to performers aged 10-19.

CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Monday 21 December 7.30pm Monday 28 December 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Tuesday 22 Dec 2.30pm & 7.30pm Tuesday 29 December 7.30pm
Wednesday 23 December 7.30pm Wednesday 30 December 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Thursday 24 December 2.30pm Thursday 31December 5.30pm
Friday 25 December No Performance Friday 1 January 2010 7.30pm
Saturday 26 December 2.30pm & 7.30pm Saturday 2 January 2010 2.30pm & 7.30pm

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Booking until: currently booking until 18 December 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

Photo credit: Alistair Muir