BILLY ELLIOT: THE MUSICAL

 

Directed by Jarrad West

Musical Directors: Katrina Tang & Caleb Campbell

Conducted by Caleb Campbell

Choreography by Michelle Heine

Book & Lyrics by Lee Hall

Music by Elton John

A Free Rain Theatre Production

Q Theatre, Queanbeyan to 5 May

 

Reviewed by Len Power 11 April 2024

 

“Billy Elliot: The Musical”, based on the 2000 film of the same name, first opened in London in 2005. It was an enormous success, running for over 4000 performances before it closed in 2016.

A motherless boy, Billy, begins taking ballet lessons while his family struggle with the difficulties caused by the 1984–85 UK miners' strike in County Durham, in North East England. Despite his angry father’s bigoted view about boys learning ballet, his natural talent is nurtured by his teacher, Mrs Wilkinson.

Billy(Fergus Paterson) and the miners

The demanding role of Billy Elliot needs a young man who can sing, dance and act. Fergus Paterson’s charismatic dancing in the “Swan Lake (Dream Ballet)” and his singing of “Electricity”, as well as his dramatic interaction with other major cast members, showed an ability to create and maintain an in-depth characterisation.

Janie Lawson as Mrs Wilkinson gave a no-nonsense but warm portrayal as Billy’s dance teacher and was particularly impressive in the musical numbers, “Shine” and “Born To Boogie”. Alice Ferguson was highly amusing as a tough Grandma with a twinkle in her eye and Charlie Murphy gave a funny and believable characterisation as Billy’s friend, Michael Caffrey. His number with Billy, “Expressing Yourself”, was one of the highlights of the show.

Joe Dinn gave Billy’s father a threatening strength and there were fine and amusing performances by James Tolhurst-Close as Mr Braithwaite and Zahra Zulkapli as Mrs. Wilkinson’s daughter, Debbie. Jordan Dwight’s impressive dancing ability was highlighted in the “Swan Lake (Dream Ballet)“ with Billy. Other members of the featured ensemble had their moments to shine and the ballet school girls were funny and delightful.

Jordan Dwight (Older Billy) and Fergus Paterson (Billy Elliot)

Cate Clelland’s set with union posters on the walls were a constant reminder of the strike action being taken by the miners. The music was played very well, and the singing of the cast and ensemble was confident and enjoyable. The choreography by Michelle Heine was spectacular.

The poor sound design on the show was a major problem and at times it was physically painful to listen to. The show is difficult enough with North-East English accents to contend with, but the sound was generally too loud, causing vocal distortions and song lyrics to be unintelligible.

Apart from the sound issue, the director, Jarrad West, has brought together a show that is grand entertainment. It’s colourful, has extraordinary dancing, fine singing and polished performers in this often raw and strong musical.

 

Photos by Janelle McMenamin

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs and published in his blog 'Just Power Writing' at https://justpowerwriting.blogspot.com/.