Billy Elliot the Musical

Few musicals ask as much of their young leads as this one, and that is a large part of the draw: the title role demands ballet, tap and honest acting in equal measure, and it is typically shared by a rotating group of young performers, so each performance carries its own energy. The story keeps the dancing grounded. Set against the 1984 miners' strike, it plays Billy's discovery of ballet against the expectations of his family and community, which gives numbers like Angry Dance and Electricity their charge. The Elton John score moves between big ensemble pieces and quieter, more personal songs, with favourites including Solidarity, Expressing Yourself and The Letter. The Adelphi Theatre on the Strand is a fitting home, with around 1,500 seats across stalls, dress circle and upper circle, and booking options span a range of dates and price bands, with some packages adding premium seating or pre-show dining. Plan for a full evening, as the running time is about 2 hours 50 minutes including one interval. The show is suitable for ages 8 and above, children under 4 are not permitted, and tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled once booked.