Billy Elliot

So last night I went to see Billy Elliot: The Musical, at Her Majesty's Theatre on Exhibition Street, Melbourne.

The musical was written in 2005, based on the film of the same name. Directed by Stephen Daldry (directed the film, also directed The Reader) and with music by Sir Elton John, it tells the story of a young boy (Billy) living in County Durham, England, during the Miner's strike of 1984. Trading his boxing gloves for ballet shoes, Billy dreams of becoming a dancer, with a little help from his teacher Mrs. Wilkinson. His family; however, does not approve, as they struggle to survive the strike. Billy manages to get an audition with the Royal Ballet School in London and ends up performing in Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake in London (this part excluded from the musical).

An Image from the Original Movie

I was not impressed with the musical as a whole. The music was slow and boring, without a single catchy tune. I can honestly say I came out of the theatre singing songs from a different musical. Unlike the film, the story progressed without much interest, as the songs were slotted in almost forcefully. Act I was particularly slow, the only highlight being the well cast Mrs. Wilkinson (played by Genevieve Lemon) who managed to bring some comedy to the act, along with Billy's friend Michael (played by Landen Hale-Brown) who's cross dressing shenanigans and tap dancing brilliance (I was amazed that a 12 year old boy could tap dance that well) also were the only highlights of act one.

The Pas de Deux Ballet, between Billy and Older Billy

Act II was decidedly better than Act I, mostly due to the Pas de Deux ballet between Billy (played by Daniell Russel) and Older Billy (Played by Brendan Yeates). Danced to the Finale from Swan Lake, it demonstrated the kind of elegant and beautiful dance that I had expected to see from a musical about a dancing boy. I would recommend going to see the musical, only to see this dance. It was the only section where the music was somewhat interesting, and that was due to the musical storytelling genius of Pyotr Tchaikovsky. The part of the second Act that irritated me the most was the exclusion of Billy's triumphant dance in Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake, which was entirely excluded. The fact that they decided to remove the climax of the film led to me to consider whether they ever really watched the film when adapting it to a musical.

Jackie Clune as Mrs. Wilkinson in the Broadway Production

The acting for the most part was average to say the least. Billy's dad (played by Richard Piper) and his brother Tony (played by Mike Smith) were overly angry for the role. Billy's dad is supposed to be a man who has been hurt badly by the Miner's strike and the loss of his wife; however, he came across as harsh and at some points inhumane. Tony was similar in this respect, most clearly shown when Billy receives his letter of acceptance and Tony goes off on an angry tangent after news that the strike is over is received; an unnecessary addition to the scene. Finally, Billy Elliot himself, played by Daniell Russell, had to be one of the worst actors/singers I have ever witnessed in my life, and I've worked on 5 school musicals. His County Durham accent was laboured and over-exaggerated. By comparison with the film, (of which I am a true fan) he did not capture the sweet child caught up in an angry time, nor was he able to accurately perform the jokes from the script. In the kids defence; however, he can dance very well, like I said earlier, I was amazed that a 12 year old kid could tap dance that well. That being said though, during the Pas De Deux Ballet, you couldn't take your eyes off the older Billy. It was not purely the kids fault that he didn't fit the role though, casting clearly did not consider that this boy was too small, too clean cut, too cutesey and quite frankly I did not believe when he said "just because I like ballet doesn't mean I'm a poof".

Cast of the West End Production

Finally, the production values. This was where the show redeemed itself. The sets were to say the least, amazing. With a moving spiral staircase that came up from the floor, along with rooms that slid on and off stage, walls that came down from the roof and all with delicately painted surfaces. Complementing this was a lighting design that was beautiful at the very least. This was particularly noticeable during the Pas De Deux Ballet, as the combination of billows of smoke along with white light from stage left and two delicately placed specials meant that the elegance of the ballet was demonstrated perfectly. The addition of special effects such as snow falling on stage and a giant screen projecting the scenes from the Miner's strike to set up the background of the story, were also a delightful touch.

To put it simply, bad acting, bad songs, good dancing, good production values, I wouldn't recommend going to see it.


Here is the Pas de Deux Ballet from the West End Production

Tonight I'm going to see 'The Nutcracker: The Story of Clara" performed by the Australian Ballet at the Arts Centre. I am sure this will be a much more enjoyable night.

Em