Rhys Yeomans, Martin Marquez Photo

From: Photo Flash: New Billy Elliot, Josh Baker Hits West End

Twelve year old Josh Baker from Rochester has just become the twenty-fifth boy to play the title role in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical as the hit show is shortlisted for the BBC Radio 2 Olivier Audience Award, the only category voted for by the public. Voting is now open and will close on 9 March with the awards ceremony on Sunday 13 March 2011. Now in its sixth year at the Victoria Palace Theatre, the critically acclaimed, internationally award-winning musical has been seen by over 6 million people worldwide, including 3 million in the West End. Since its world premiere in 2005 a total of 53 boys, including Jamie Bell who played Billy Elliot in the award-winning film, have now performed the title role worldwide, making Josh Baker the 54th boy to play Billy.