Jackie Clune joins the cast of Billy Elliot The Musical from 4 June. The actor, comedian, composer and broadcaster is set to play dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson in the West End hit that celebrates its second birthday on 11 May. The role is currently being played by Sally Dexter and was originally created by Haydn Gwynne.
Clune studied drama at university but made her name as a stand-up comedian and cabaret performer, mixing her natural wit with her talent for singing. Her stage work includes the international tour of Mamma Mia!, Taboo (Venue), The Vagina Monologues (New Ambassadors) and Julie Burchill Is Away (Soho).
Billy Elliot The Musical is based on the hit British film that made a star of young actor Jamie Bell. The tale of a boy who would rather learn to dance than box caught the imagination of film fans worldwide when it was released in 2000. The original film team of director Stephen Daldry and writer Lee Hall were joined by pop star Elton John to create the musical.
Clunes joins a cast that also includes: James Gaddas as Billy’s miner father who finds it hard to share his son’s passion for ballet; Chris Lennon as Tony; Ann Emery as Grandma; and Leon Cooke, Dean McCarthy, Layton Williams and Travis Yates who share the role of Billy.
Billy Elliot The Musical is currently booking at the Victoria Palace until 20 October.
MA