Elton John Hosts & Mower Returns for Billy Elliot Gala

Sir Elton John, composer of the multi award-winning West End hit, Billy Elliot The Musical, is to host a special charity Gala performance of the show on 22 November 2006 as the musical celebrates with it's one millionth patron through the doors at the Victoria Palace Theatre. As well as a guest appearance from Sir Elton, due to outstanding public demand, Liam Mower - one of the original young boys who created the role of Billy Elliot on stage – will return to play the title role for one night only. Stephen Daldry, Director of Billy Elliot The Musical, will create a unique performance for this special night.

This special Charity Gala, hosted by Sir Elton, is in aid of the Easington Branch of The Children's charity, The Place2Be. BiIly Elliot is set in the North East and is a funny, heart-warming and feel-good celebration of one young boy's dreams. Most of the film was shot in Easington Village where the terraced streets doubled as mining community at the time of the 1984 Miners' strike. The multi award-winning Working Title fillm, was directed by Stephen Daldry, written by Lee Hall and starred Jamie Bell and Julie Walters.

To book tickets for this Special Charity performance of Billy Elliot The Musical, call the Victoria Palace Box Office on 0870 895 5577.

Founded in 1994 The Place2Be is an innovative, growing charity that gives children in primary schools a place where they can express their feelings through talking, creative work and play. The Place2Be delivers a range of services directly to children, parents and teachers in primary schools, from ex-mining communities. In addition they offer training for volunteers, staff and adults working with children. The Place2Be provides emotional support and is accessible to all children in schools where it operates.

Elton John and Lee Hall's Billy Elliot the Musical received its world premiere at the Victoria Palace Theatre in March 2005, directed by Stephen Daldry. Since it opened the hit musical has been playing to full houses at the Victoria Palace where it has broken box office records.