Billy Elliot – 40 Billys and 10 Years Later…

Thomas Hazelby joins the cast of Billy Elliot to play the show's 40th Billy

As Billy Elliot celebrates 10 years in London, Thomas Hazelby from Doncaster becomes the fortieth boy to play the title role in the award-winning musical. Ten year old Thomas Hazelby said: “I am 10 years old and I live with my mum, dad and sister Maya in Doncaster. I started dancing at the age of three at my mum’s dance school, Hazelbiz Performers Academy. I was lucky enough to win my first national award when I was five years old at the British Championships. Before auditioning for Billy Elliot I trained with Miss Hatton on the Royal Ballet School Associate programme. The best day of my life was when I was offered the role of Billy Elliot. My favourite hobby is football, and I support Manchester United. Before joining Billy, I played for South Kirby Knights FC as well as for the Norton Junior school cricket team. I would like … Read more

The 10 Best Long Running Shows In The West End

Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London

What long running show should you see first in London? We have compiled this list to save you the trouble of working it out! It’s just our view – and everyone has one – based on our Reviewers’ thoughts. We will update the list regularly so that cast changes can factor into the mix. Only Plays and Musicals which have been running for more than three years are included in this is list. So go see them! 1. Wicked Wicked is the prequel to The Wizard Of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. Wicked tells the story of how these two unlikely friends grew to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. Wicked has become a phenomenon not only … Read more

Meet the 39th Billy

Brodie Donougher as Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace Theatre

Today, 19 November 2014, eleven year-old Brodie Donougher from Blackpool, gives his first performance in the title role of the internationally award winning Billy Elliot the Musical. Brodie joins a cast lead by Ruthie Henshall who plays Mrs Wilkinson, Billy’s dance teacher and Deka Walmsley who plays Billy’s dad, and becomes the thirty-ninth boy to perform the iconic role at the Victoria Palace Theatre and the seventy-sixth boy to perform the role worldwide, including Jamie Bell who played Billy Elliot in the award-winning film. Also joining the cast today will be 10 year old Connie Fisher from Northallerton, North Yorkshire, who will play Mrs Wilkinson’s daughter Debbie. In addition 19 girls from London and surrounding counties aged 9 – 14 join the cast as Ballet Girls. Brodie Donougher said: “My name is Brodie and I’m eleven years old. I have three sisters, Derrian and Jessica and Arroia, and one brother, … Read more