Billy Elliot scoops 15 Tony Award nominations
Story by Lizzie Guilfoyle
ON MAY 12, 2009, Billy Elliot the Musical celebrates its fourth birthday and its 1,700th performance at the Victoria Palace Theatre. The evergreen musical, which has now played to over 3.3 million people worldwide, has also extended its booking period in the West End – until April 3, 2010.
And today, news came that the Broadway production has been nominated for 15 Tony Awards, including Best Actor for David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish, the original Broadway Billys who made their stage debut a year ago in a surprise performance at the London production’s third birthday.
Other categories include Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book, Best Director, Best Choreography and Best Featured actress in a Musical for Haydn Gwynne who originated the role of Mrs Wilkinson in the West End production.
Earlier this week it was announced that Billy Elliot the Musical has won the 2009 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Best Musical Award.
Set in the North East of England, Billy Elliot the Musical is a funny, heart-warming and feel-good celebration of one young boy’s dreams. It was adapted for stage from the Universal Pictures/Studio Canal film which starred Jamie Bell in the title role.
Meanwhile, 12 year old Oliver Gardner from Bath will join the London cast making him the thirty-second boy to play the iconic role of Billy worldwide.
Also in the cast are 12 year old Tom Holland from Kingston-upon-Thames, 12 year old Tanner Pflueger from Norfolk, Nebraska, 13 year old Fox Jackson-Keen from Hornsey, London and 12 year old Bradley Wilson from Doncaster, who alternate the title role alongside principal cast members Kate Graham (Mrs Wilkinson), Joe Caffrey (Dad), Craig Gallivan (Tony), Ann Emery (Grandma), Trevor Fox (George), Sean Kingsley (Mr Braithwaite), Stephanie Putson (Dead Mum) and Barnaby Meredith (Older Billy).
Joining the Company in June are 12 year old Connor Doyle from Walsall and 12 year old Jake Pratt originally from Scarborough, now living in Middlesex, who will alternate the role of Billy’s best friend Michael alongside 11 year old George Maycock from Solihull. And ten year old Francesca Mango from Northumberland and 11 year old Fleur Houdijk from Hartlepool also join the company to play Debbie, alongside 11 year old Annabelle Crosby-Stewart from Darlington.
Tickets: £19.50 – £65.
Times: Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm; Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.