Photo Flash: Ryan Collinson, Josh Baker, Adam Vesperman & Kaine Ward in BILLY ELLIOT

Based on the Oscar nominated film, Billy Elliot the Musical is an inspirational story of one boy's dream to realise his ambitions against the odds. Set in the North East of England against the background of the historic 1984/85 miners' strike, Billy pursues his passion for dance in secret to avoid disapproval of his struggling family. 

The current West End cast comprises Ryan Collinson (13 years old from Southport), Josh Baker (13 years old from Rochester) and Adam Vesperman (13 years old from Seattle, Washington USA) and Kaine Ward (12 years old from Hertfordshire) will who alternate the role of Billy. Reece Barrett (13 years old from Exeter), Connor Kelly (13 years old from Scunthorpe), Connor Lawson (13 years old from Shotton, County Durham) and Joe Massey (12 years old from South Wirrell) who alternate the role of Billy's best friend Michael; Francesca Mango (11 years old from Northumberland), Macy Stasiak (9 years old from Darlington) and Emily Williams (10 years old East Wingate, County Durham) will alternate the role of Debbie.

Check out production shots of the new cast below!

They perform alongside Gillian Bevan (Mrs. Wilkinson), Deka Walmsley (Dad), Michael Peavoy (Tony), Ann Emery (Grandma), Sean Kearns (George), Kay Milbourne (Dead Mum), Simon Ray Harvey (Mr. Braithwaite), Barnaby Meredith (Older Billy) and ensemble members Craig Armstrong, David Bardsley, Romy Baskerville, Paul Basleigh, James Butcher, Spencer Cartwright, Jaymz Denning, Caroline Deverill, Helen French, Sergio Giacomelli, Kieran Jae, Connor McAllister, Steve Paget, Ryan Pidgen, and Dan Reilly and swings Alan Bradshaw, Dawn Buckland, Lucinda Collins, Ian Gareth Jones and Mike Scott.

Billy Elliot the Musical features music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, is directed by Stephen Daldry with choreography by Peter Darling. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, the associate director is Julian Webber, costume design is by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch.

Photo credit Alastair Muir

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