Jackie Clune Joins London 'Billy Elliot' Cast, June 4

Jackie Cluneis set to join the cast of Billy Elliot: The Musical, Monday June 4. She will begin in the role of play Billy's Dance Teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson, shortly after the multi award-winning hit musical celebrates its second birthday.

Press notes state, "Billy Elliot: The Musical is set in the North East and is a funny, heart-warming and feel-good celebration of one young boy's dreams. This new staging of Billy Elliot: The Musical is an adaptation of one of the most adored British films of the last decade which broke box office records across the world and was nominated for 3 Oscars and 13 BAFTA Awards."

Clune's theatre work includes the international tour of Mamma Mia!, Taboo at The Venue, The Vagina Monologues at the New Ambassadors Theatre, the title role in Julie Burchill is Away for Soho Theatre, A Wedding Story for Birmingham Rep, Follow The Star and It's Jackie! for the Drill Hall and Chicks with Flicks at the King's Head.  On television her work includes "Waking The Dead," "EastEnders,""Something for the Weekend" and "Rhona."  Her film work includes Breathtaking. 

Directed by Stephen Daldry, Elton John and Lee Hall's multi award-winning Billy Elliot: The Musical has been playing sold out shows at the Victoria Palace Theatre since March 2005 where it continues to pack houses. Productions of Billy Elliot: The Musical are due to open in Sydney, Australia in December this year, and a Broadway production is expected to open in New York in 2008.

The current Billy Elliots are Leon Cooke (15 years old from Clayton, Nr Newcastle-under-Lyme), Dean McCarthy (15 years old from Clondalkin, Dublin), Layton Williams (12 years old from Manchester) and Travis Yates (14 years old from Alkrington, Nr Middleton), who perform alongside Sally Dexter (Mrs Wilkinson until 2 June), Jackie Clune (Mrs Wilkinson from 4 June), James Gaddas (Dad), Chris Lennon (Tony), Ann Emery (Grandma), Trevor Fox (George), Alex Delamere (Mr Braithwaite), Sara Poyzer (Mum) and Isaac James (Older Billy). Billy Elliot: The Musical's creative team includes Peter Darling (choreography), Ian MacNeil (set design), Paul Arditti (sound design), and Rick Fisher (lighting).

Billy Elliot: The Musical is currently booking at the Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, London SW1, until October 20. Tickets are £59.50 - £17.50, and are available by calling 0870 895 5577. Performances are Monday – Saturday at 7:30pm, and Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2:30pm. For more information, visit www.billyelliotthemusical.com.