Photo Flash: Billy Elliot Australian Casting Search

Casting is currently underway to find a young actor for the title role of Australia's upcoming Billy Elliot the Musical, based on the hit Universal Pictures/Studio Canal film.

Presented by Universal Pictures, Working Title and Old Vic Productions, the multi-award-winning Billy Elliot will open at Sydney's Capitol Theatre in January 2008.  A hit in London, the musical is also Broadway-bound.

Louise Withers, Executive Producer (Australia) previously said auditions are being held "for the three young actors who will alternate in the role of Billy, with auditions being held in major centres and an exhaustive search for young talent in every town and city throughout Australia and New Zealand." Producer Jon Finn said, "The boys don't have to come to the auditions with a knowledge of every discipline. We are not looking for stage school kids. Just children with the raw talent, energy and enthusiasm to be Billy Elliot".

Based on the film of the same name, Billy Elliot is "set in the North East of England and is a funny, heart-warming and feel-good celebration of one young boy's dreams set against the decline of a community in Margaret Thatcher's England. This original story captured the hearts and minds of the world when the movie was released in October 2000. Nominated for 3 Academy Awards and 13 BAFTAs, this poignant film broke box office records across the world," state press notes.  Directed by Stephen Daldry with book and lyrics by Lee Hall, Billy Elliot was developed for the stage by the same multi-award winning creative team responsible for the film. The score has been composed by music legend Elton John. 

Visit www.billyelliotthemusical.com for more on the show.

Photo by James Morgan