Billy's back!
A new UK tour of Billy Elliot the Musical is starting just up the road from where it's set
Billy Elliot the Musical will return to the North East next year as part of a newly announced UK national tour, opening at Sunderland Empire (where it last took the roof off 10 years ago).
Written by Newcastle’s Lee Hall, the original award-winning production will begin its tour on Wearside from November 4–28 before heading across the UK and returning to the West End for the first time in more than a decade, playing a limited season at Adelphi Theatre from February to July 2027.
Casting is yet to be announced, but we can’t imagine that will stop tickets going like hot cakes which have had a full power once around in the microwave when they go on sale on March 9 and 10am.
In a statement announcing Billy’s theatrical comeback, composer Elton John and director Stephen Daldry said: “Creating Billy Elliot the Musical was one of the most joyous and inspiring moments of our careers, so to bring the show back for a UK tour and a season in the West End for the first time in over a decade is both incredibly emotional and exciting.
“It’s bold, it’s British, it’s full of heart and the story feels more relevant than ever. We can’t wait for a whole new generation to experience it!”
Based on the hit film, which starred Jamie Bell and Julie Walters, the musical is set in County Durham during the 1984/85 miners’ strike and follows young Billy as he swaps boxing gloves for ballet shoes, discovering a passion for dance that transforms his life and galvanises his community.
Since its premiere, the production has been seen by more than 12 million people worldwide - including 11 years in the West End and three years on Broadway.
It has has won more than 80 international awards, including two handfuls of Tony Awards and five Oliviers. In 2006, Liam Mower, James Lomas and George Maguire became the youngest performers ever to win the Olivier Award for Best Actor for sharing the title role. Spiderman himself, Tom Holland also lists playing Billy on his CV.
The stage adaptation reunites the film’s original creative team - the aforementioned Lee Hall, Stephen Daldry and Elton John’s music as well as choreographer Peter Darling.
Tickets for the Sunderland Empire run will be on sale from March 9 at 10am from the website.