The hugely popular Billy Elliot The Musical has extended its West End run at the Victoria Palace Theatre until 19 December 2015.
The show, which was previously booking until 16 May, has further reason to celebrate today with tonight’s performance of Lee Hall’s hit film to stage adaptation marking 12-year-old Ollie Jochim’s first ever performance in the lead role.
Alternating the part with four other talented youngsters, Jochim is the 38th boy to perform the iconic role in the West End and the 75th worldwide.
Speaking about winning the coveted role, the Chelmsford-born performer said: “I have always loved dancing – when I was younger I used to teach myself to dance from Michael Jackson YouTube videos!… A couple of years ago my mum took me to see Billy Elliot The Musical and when I saw it I knew I wanted to be Billy. I was so overjoyed when I found out I had got the part and now I am living my dream.”
Jochim, who will be tasked with performing Billy’s incredible dance routines and some of Elton John’s best loved numbers from the show including the show stopping Electricity, will join a cast including West End legend Ruthie Henshall, Deka Walmsley, Chris Grahamson and long-standing cast member Ann Emery.
Telling the now famous story of a boy from a mining town’s journey to becoming a ballet dancer set against the strikes of 1984/85, Billy Elliot The Musical is just one of the many shows taking part in this year’s Kids Week. For more information about the annual kids go free ticket campaign and to book, visit www.kidsweek.co.uk