Billy Elliot's 5th Birthday curtain call. Photo: Richard Davenport Producers have announced that after 4600 performances, Billy Elliot will close at the Victoria Palace Theatre on 9 April 2016 to allow for planned theatre refurbishments.

The closure will co-incide with the shows eleventh birthday, with the show having been seen by over 5.25 million people in London and nearly 11 million people worldwide. Billy Elliot has grossed over $800 million worldwide and is the winner of over 80 theatre awards internationally.

Based on the Oscar nominated film released in 2000 and set in a northern mining town against the background of the 1984/’85 miners’ strike, Billy’s journey takes him out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.

Elton John said: “I’ve said it before and it still remains true, Billy Elliot has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire life. The talented young performers who have become part of our Billy Elliot family have amazed me with their achievements from the very start. Each time I have revisited the show I have been moved by Billy’s heart-warming story and his determination to achieve his dreams. I am so delighted that new audiences around the country will now have the opportunity to experience this extraordinary piece of work.”

Tickets are now on sale for the first UK and Ireland tour of the show commencing in February 2016 when the touring and West End productions will be playing concurrently.

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