Dexter and New Cast Members Join London's Billy Elliot, 6/5

On June 5th, London stage veteran Sally Dexter will replace Olivier Award-nominee Haydn Gwynn as inspiring dance teacher Mrs. Wilkinson in the West End smash Billy Elliot.

In addition, Sarah Poyzer will begin performances as Billy's mother, Leyci Wightman will step into the role of Debbie, and Shaun Malone will begin to play Billy's friend Michael. There will also be fresh recruits for the girls in Mrs. Wilkinson's ballet class. They will join a cast that currently includes Liam Mower, Colin Bates, Leon Cooke, Matthew Koon and Travis Yates (all alternating as Billy), Philip Whitchurch as Billy's father and Chris Lennon as his brother Tony.

Billy Elliot is playing an extended run at London's Victoria Palace through October 21st, 2006. One of the biggest hits on the West End (it earned unanimous raves from the British press after opening in March of 2005), Billy Elliot is the musical version of the hit 2000 film about a boy who wishes to go against the grain to become a ballet dancer. Living in a small industrustial English town, his father and brother (who are embroiled in a miner's strike) disapprove of his plans but ballet teacher Mrs. Wilkinson secretly encourages the boy. As with the movie, Stephen Daldry (An Inspector Calls, the film The Hours) is the director, and the show, which is produced by Working Title and Old Vic Productions, features a book by Lee Hall and music and lyrics by Elton John (The Lion King, Aida). Peter Darling is the show's choreographer. Billy Elliot's creative team also includes designer Ian MacNeil, Nicky Gillibrand (costumes), Rick Fisher (lighting) and Paul Arditti (sound).

Dexter's numerous West End credits include Theatre of Blood, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, The Old Masters, The Tempest and A Midsummer Night's Dream. She is a two-time Olivier Award-nominee for her work in Closer and Oliver!.

A two-disc cast recording of Billy Elliot is available on the Decca label. Toronto and Broadway productions of the musical were also recently announced to be in the works.

Call (0)870 895 5577 or visit www.billyelliotthemusical.com for more information.

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