Ruthie Henshall & Deka Walmsley Continue In West End's BILLY ELLIOT; Cast Updates Announced!

Ruthie Henshall and Deka Walmsley today confirm they are to continue as Mrs Wilkinson and Dad respectively in the West End cast for Billy Elliot the Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre. Also continuing in their role are Chris Grahamson as Tony, Gillian Elisa as Grandma, Howard Crossley as George and Claudia Bradley Dead Mum. Phil Snowdon, in his new role, will play Mr Braithwaite and James Butcher joins the cast as Older Billy. Ensemble members are Craig Armstrong, Richard Ashton, James Ballanger, David Bardsley, Paul Basleigh, Rachel Bingham, Lucinda Collins, Peter Cork, Scott Cripps, Robbie Durham, Ross Finnie, Lee Hoy, Ruri James, Ben Redfern, Charlotte Riby, Mike Scott, Sharon Sexton, Wendy Somerville, Spencer Stafford, David Stoller and Kerry Washington.

Last week the multi award-winning smash hit Billy Elliot the Musical celebrated ten years in the West End and to coincide with its 10th birthday celebrations the show announced an extension to the run, releasing over 600,000 tickets for sale, taking booking through to 17 December 2016. In addition, the first UK and Ireland tour of Billy Elliot the Musical was also announced opening at the Theatre Royal Plymouth in February 2016. Further tour dates and booking details will be announced shortly.

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.

Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, Billy Elliot the Musical has now been seen by over 10 million people worldwide and has played in five continents. Billy Elliot the Musical is the recipient of over 80 awards internationally, including ten Tony Awards and five Oliviers, including the 2013 Audience Award. In total, world-wide, eighty two boys have now played the iconic role on stage, and in March this year the London production welcomed 10 year old Thomas Hazelby, the fortieth young boy to take on the title role.

Billy Elliot the Musical is brought to life by the multiple award-winning creative team behind the film including writer Lee Hall (book and lyrics), director Stephen Daldry, and choreographer, Peter Darling, joined by Elton John who composed the show's score. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, the associate director is Julian Webber, costume design is by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch.

The child cast is led by Brodie Donougher (12 years old from Blackpool), Thomas Hazelby (10 years old from Doncaster), Ollie Jochim (13 years old from Chelmsford, Essex) and Bradley Perret (13 years old from Juan les Pins, France) who alternate the title role of Billy Elliot. Todd Bell (12 years old from Whitehaven, Cumbria), Tomi Fry (12 years old from Swindon) and Nathan Jones (12 years old from Prudhoe, Northumberland) play the role of Billy's best friend Michael. Kyria Cooper (11 years old from Hartlepool), Connie Fisher (10 years old from Brompton, North Yorkshire) and Demi Lee (11 years old from Middlesbrough) alternate the role of Debbie.

Billy Elliot the Musical is presented in London by Universal Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Tiger Aspect and is based on the Universal Pictures/Studio Canal film. The show is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jon Finn and Sally Greene. Angela Morrison and David Furnish are executive producers.

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