Photo Flash: Brad Wilson Joins BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL

Today, December 1 2008, twelve year old Brad Wilson from Doncaster joins the London cast of Billy Elliot the Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre to play the title role, making him the thirtieth boy to play the iconic role worldwide, first performed by Jamie Bell in the original movie.

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.

Billy Elliot the Musical has now played to over 2.6 million people worldwide since its world premiere at the Victoria Palace Theatre in May 2005. The London production, which recently celebrated its 1500th performance, is currently booking until 24 October 2009. Billy Elliot the Musical opened on Broadway earlier this month and will open at Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne in December after a successful Sydney season at The Capitol Theatre.

The score for Billy Elliot the Musical has been composed by music legend Elton John, the most celebrated UK singer songwriter of the last 30 years, choreography is by Peter Darling, designs are by Ian MacNeil with 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 is based on the Universal Pictures/Studio Canal film.

Brad Wilson joins Tom Holland (12 years old from Kingston-upon-Thames), Tanner Pflueger (12 years old from Norfolk, Nebraska) and Fox Jackson-Keen (13 years old from Hornsey, London) who alternate the title role of Billy Elliot alongside principal cast members Joanna Riding (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). They are joined by Dean-Charles Chapman (11 years old from Romford, Essex), George Maycock (11 years old from Solihull) and Lewis Cope (13 years old from Hartlepool) who will share the role of Michael and Annabelle Crosby-Stewart (10 years old from Darlington), Scarlet Embleton (12 years old from Newcastle upon Tyne) and Megan Jossa (12 years old from Eltham) who share the role of Debbie. From the end of December 2008 until Summer 2009, the role of Mrs Wilkinson will be played by Kate Graham.

Brad Wilson

My name is Brad and I am 12 years old and live in Doncaster with my Mum Karen, Dad Jim and two brothers Tom (15) and Keegan (18 months). I started dancing when I was 9 years old. Since then I have studied ballet, tap, jazz and contemporary dance. I have danced in many competitions and won many medals and trophies. I was invited to audition for Billy Elliot over two years ago by my dance teacher, Marilyn Baker, and since then I have been training up in Leeds before moving to the Billy Elliot House in London.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE 2008/09

Monday December 22 through Saturday January 3
Theatre: Victoria Palace Theatre
Victoria Street
London SW1

Box Office: 0870 895 5577
Tickets: £62.50 - £17.50

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

Website: www.billyelliotthemusical.com
www.billyelliotthemusical.mobi

PHOTO CREDIT: Alistair Muir