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| Jamie Rogers (Billy Elliott) - Kelley Abbey (Mrs Wilkinson) in "Billy Elliott the Musical" |
Book &
Lyrics by Lee Hall – Music by Elton John
Directed by
Stephen Daldry – Choreographed by Peter Darling
Musical
Director – Michael Azzopardi – Set Design by Ian McNeil
Costume
Design by Nicky Gillibrand – Lighting Design by Rick Fisher
Lyric
Theatre Sydney, 10th October to December 15th 2019.
Reviewed by Bill Stephens
With
practically every news bulletin filled with images of protests around the
world, a musical based around the 1984 Miners strike in Britain could hardly be
more relevant. However, far from depressing, this musical is a joyous, uplifting
and often, a surprisingly moving, experience.
Packed with
stirring songs, dazzling dancing, and memorable performances, “Billy Elliott –
The Musical” tells the story of a young boy who discovers that he has a talent
and passion for ballet. With the encouragement of the local dance teacher, Mrs
Wilkinson, he pursues his passion in spite of the objections of this father,
and the derision of his community, a coal mining village in Northern England.
As the first
international production outside the UK, and prior to its Broadway premiere,
“Billy Elliott – The Musical” toured Australia, premiering in Sydney in
December 2007 and finishing its tour in Melbourne in 2009. Despite the
popularity of that production, which received eight Helpmann Awards, the
complexity of the set design precluded touring beyond Sydney and Melbourne.
However a
clever rethink of the set design, means that this 10th Anniversary
2019 production will now be seen in Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane in addition to
Sydney and Melbourne. And it was worth waiting for, because with the fluid new
set design comes refreshed new staging and choreography, adding renewed energy
and gloss to this tight new production which is a fresh a new pin.
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| Jamie Rogers as Billy Elliot |
As before, the role of Billy Elliot is shared between four boys. 12 year-old, red-headed Canberran, Jamie Rogers, thrilled the opening night audience with his incredible triple-threat talents. Equally comfortable tapping up a storm in the stunning “Angry Dance” or exhibiting impeccable classical ballet technique while spinning high above the audience in a spectacular air-borne pas de deux duet with his older self, for which he was superbly partnered by Aaron Smith.
His singing
and acting was equally as impressive and he confidently nailed scene after
scene, tearing at the heartstrings with his poignant goodbye to his best
friend, Michael (James Sonnemann on opening night), or standing up to his
enraged Dad, or having conversations with this dead Mum (Danielle Everett), in
a role which would daunt performers
twice his age.
(On other nights Billy will be played by Omar Abiad,
age 12, from Brisbane, River Mardesic, age 11, from Melbourne, or Wade Neilsen,
age 12 – from Newcastle, and no doubt each will be just as accomplished).
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| Kelley Abbey (Mrs Wilkinson) - Dean Vince (Mr Braithwaite) - and the ballet class in "Shine" |
As Billy’s tough
but supportive ballet teacher, Mrs Wilkinson, Kelley Abbey is quite wonderful.
She looks every inch the dance teacher, acts with authority and nuance, is in
fine singing voice, and dances up a storm in “Shine”. The “Born to Boogie”
number, in which she’s joined by Billy and the dance school accompanist, Mr
Braithwaite (Dean Vince in scene-stealing comedic performance) is one of many
highlights.
Justin
Smith, who played the role of Billy’s older brother in the original Australian
production, gives an appealing performance in this production as Billy’s father, at first strongly against
his son’s ballet dancing ambitions, but once convinced by Mrs Wilkinson of his
son’s talent, willing to support his son
to the hilt.
Drew
Livingston, as Billy’s older brother Tony, Vivien Davies as his doting Granma,
Robert Grubb as his boxing teacher, George, and Damien Birmingham as one of the
miners, Big Davey, all shine in arresting cameos. And who could you not love the little girls
in Mrs Wilkinson’s ballet class, all cheeky individuals, led by Gabrielle
Daggar, who played Debbie on opening night.
Stephen
Daldry’s staging throughout is masterly, as is Peter Darling’s choreography,
particularly the full cast scenes, in which the striking miner’s intermingle
seamlessly with the ballet class.
This is a
production which will keep you engrossed and enchanted from the first note
until the last. But be forewarned. You’ll need your tissues…for the happy tears.
Photos by James D. Morgan
This review also appears in Australian Arts Review. www.artsreview.com.au