After 4600 performances, Billy Elliot the musical played its last performance on Saturday night (9 April 2016) at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre. The theatre will now undergo a major renovation.
The sold out performance had 1530 people on their feet during the curtain call which in true Billy Elliot style included past and present Billy Elliots and members of the show’s creative team. 32 Billy Elliots appeared in the curtain call (the most onstage ever), 24 past Michaels and 18 past Debbies as well as several adult members of the original company.
Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, Billy Elliot the Musical has won more than 80 theatre awards and has now been seen by nearly 5.4 million people in London, while globally it has been seen by almost 11 million. Over the eleven year run in the West End, the Victoria Palace Theatre was home to 531 young performers including 42 Billys, 26 Michaels, 22 Debbies and 350 ballet girls. Actors ranging from ages 6 to 84 have tread the boards since the musical’s world premiere in March 2005. In total, world-wide, ninety four boys have played the iconic role on stage with the West End production welcoming its forty-second young boy last year.
A UK National tour of Billy Elliot is currently underway.
Here are some great images from Billy’s closing night at the Victoria Palace Theatre.
Photos: Craig Sugden
