Derek Richards News

The Irish Comedy Tour makes a St. Patrick's Day stop at the Colonial Friday, March 18 at 8pm.

The Irish Comedy Tour makes a St. Patrick's Day stop at the Colonial Friday, March 18 at 8pm.

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.

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.

The full cast is Dean Charles-Chapman (13 years old from Romford, Essex), Scott McKenzie (13 years old from Dumbarton, Scotland), Aaron Watson (12 years old from Kings Lynn, Norfolk) and Rhys Yeomans (12 years old from Oldham, Lancashire) who alternate the role of Billy, Reece Barrett (12 years old from Exeter), Connor Kelly (12 years old from Scunthorpe), Connor Lawson (12 years old from Shotton, County Durham) and Joe Massey (11 years old from South Wirrell) who alternate the role of Billy's best friend Michael, Francesca Mango (11 years old from Northumberland), Emily Smith (11 years old from County Durham) and Emily Williams (9 years old East Wingate, County Durham) who alternate the role of Debbie.

Today, 20 December 2010, Billy Elliot the Musical announces over 435,000 new tickets for sale taking bookings up until 17 December 2011.

From 29 November 2010, 13 year old Scott McKenzie from Dumbarton, Scotland, the twenty fourth boy to play the iconic role of Billy Elliot in the West End, 12 year old Aaron Watson from Kings Lynn, Norfolk, 13 year old Dean Charles-Chapman from Romford, Essex and 12 year old Rhys Yeomans from Oldham, Lancashire, will be joined by principal cast members Genevieve Lemon (Mrs. Wilkinson), Martin Marquez (Dad), Tom Lorcan (Tony), Diane Langton (Grandma), Chris McGlade (George), Kay Milbourne (Dead Mum), Kevin Patricks (Mr. Braithwaite) and Barnaby Meredith (Older Billy) in Billy Elliot The Musical.

Jennifer Nettles, of reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year Sugarland, hosts 'CMA Country Christmas' with music, memories and stories of the season from some of the format's biggest stars. Artists who perform in the special and share with fans their favorite holiday traditions include Sheryl Crow, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Reba, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker and Sugarland.

'Prep &Landing' returns this season with an all new 7-Minute animated short, 'Operation: Secret Santa,' airing on ABC in December, while the half-hour animated special, 'Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice,' debuts in 2011. 'Prep & Landing' became an instant favorite with viewers and emerged as TV's number 1 holiday special in the 2009 season. It was also the highest kids rating (kids 2-11/ 7.5/23), for any primetime telecast on broadcast TV in 2009. The special went on to win four Emmy Awards.

From 29 November 2010, 13 year old Scott McKenzie from Dumbarton, Scotland, the twenty fourth boy to play the iconic role of Billy Elliot in the West End, 12 year old Aaron Watson from Kings Lynn, Norfolk, 13 year old Dean Charles-Chapman from Romford, Essex and 12 year old Rhys Yeomans from Oldham, Lancashire, will be joined by principal cast members Genevieve Lemon (Mrs. Wilkinson), Martin Marquez (Dad), Tom Lorcan (Tony), Diane Langton (Grandma), Chris McGlade (George), Kay Milbourne (Dead Mum), Kevin Patricks (Mr. Braithwaite) and Barnaby Meredith (Older Billy) in Billy Elliot The Musical.