The second annual Billy Youth Theatre West End Gala will take place at the Victoria Palace theatre on 17 July featuring performances from 13 school and youth theatre groups from around the UK.
Launched in 2009, Billy Youth Theatre is an initiative from the producers of Billy Elliot The Musical which invites schoolchildren to stage their own productions of the show, which has been specially adapted by writer Lee Hall and musical supervisor Martin Koch. Following four regional showcases featuring the talents of over 1,000 young people, 13 groups were selected to come to the Victoria Palace theatre and be tutored by Billy Elliot The Musical’s creative team prior to performing in the Gala.
This year’s baker’s dozen includes youth groups from all over the UK, including Yeovil, Aberdare, Worcester and Sunderland.
Hall, who wrote the screenplay for the film Billy Elliot as well as the hit musical, commented: “I was completely overwhelmed by the response to our first Billy Youth Theatre and am thrilled that so many young people around the country have had the opportunity to bring the story of Billy Elliot to life in their local communities. I am very much looking forward to our second West End Gala in July and pass on my congratulations to everyone who has taken part in this year’s Billy Youth Theatre.”
Billy Elliot The Musical, which opened at the Victoria Palace in 2005, tells the story of a young boy from a mining community in the north of England. While his brother and father stand on the picket line, Billy bunks off his boxing lessons to attend Mrs Wilkinson’s dance class, a decision that will change the course of his life.
Tickets for the Billy Youth Theatre Gala on 17 July cost £20 and can be purchased on 0844 248 5000.
CB