Peter Darling News

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films Old Vic Productions and NETworks Presentations, LLC bring the multi-award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical to Segerstrom Center for the Arts from tonight, April 16 - 28, 2013.

Last night (11 April 2013), the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical welcomed its 4 millionth patron to the Victoria Palace Theatre. At the end of the performance Sharon Hick from Yorkshire and her party were invited up on stage by Deka Walmsley who plays Billy's Dad. Killian Donnelly who plays Billy's brother Tony escorted them to the stage to great applause from the sell-out audience.

"Billy Elliot" features all the elements of theatricality theatregoers love, although friends of the late Margaret Thatcher may wish to stay away. The Elton John musical balances great storytelling with three intense dance numbers performed by an incredibly talented child and some stunning lighting that highlights the highest points of the lofty production.

From 13 May 2013 Anna-Jane Casey will join the West End cast of Billy Elliot the Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre to play Billy's dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson. Also joining the cast are Kevin Wathen as Billy's brother, Tony, Howard Crossley as George and Alexander Loxton as Older Billy.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL, produced by The Royal Shakespeare Company and The Dodgers, opens tomorrow, April 11, 2013 at Broadway's Shubert Theatre (225 West 44th Street).

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films Old Vic Productions and NETworks Presentations, LLC bring the multi-award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical to Segerstrom Center for the Arts from April 16 - 28, 2013. Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical has earned critical acclaim around the world and was the winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL, with Penguin Young Readers Group, has launched a monthly book club in celebration of Roald Dahl. Tonight at 7:30 EDT fans can watch Lucy Dahl during a Google+ Hangout video chat as she explores topics and themes from the book "Matilda" and shares her own stories of growing up as the daughter of best-selling author Roald Dahl. To watch the Google+ Hangout visit: www.MatildaTheMusical.com/bookclub.

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films, Old Vic Productions and NETworks Presentations, LLC bring multi-award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical to Sacramento from April 9 - 14. Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical has earned critical acclaim around the world and was the winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films Old Vic Productions and NETworks Presentations, LLC bring the multi-award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical to Calgary from tonight, March 26 - 31, 2013.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL has been named a three-time winner in the 34th Annual Telly Awards for its pre-opening television campaign, created by advertising agency AKA. The television spot, which previews the sound, color, and attitude of one of the season's most highly anticipated musicals, was recognized for excellence in Entertainment, Art Direction and Use of Music. Click below to watch the TV spot! Matilda The Musical is now in previews and opens at Broadway's Shubert Theatre on April 11.

According to the Daily Mail, Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will begin previews on May 17 instead of May 18 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Opening night is still set for June 25. Directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will star Olivier and Tony Award-winning Douglas Hodge as Willy Wonka. Featuring ingenious stagecraft, the story is brought to life with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman (Grammy winners for Hairspray; Smash), with a book by award-winning playwright and adaptor David Greig (The Bacchae; Tintin In Tibet).

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films Old Vic Productions and NETworks Presentations, LLC bring thee multi-award-winning "Billy Elliot the Musical" to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts May 14 - 19. Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry, "Billy Elliot the Musical" has earned critical acclaim around the world and was the winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

According to the Telegraph, the West End hit musical version of Roald Dahl's Matilda is undergoing some last-minute changes before it opens on Broadway in April. After several previews, some of the lyrics are being revised for American audiences.

Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opens at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 25 June 2013. Directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will star Olivier and Tony Award-winning Douglas Hodge as Willy Wonka. Featuring ingenious stagecraft, the story is brought to life with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman (Grammy winners for Hairspray; Smash), with a book by award-winning playwright and adaptor David Greig (The Bacchae; Tintin In Tibet). Click below to watch the show's creative team talk about the writing process!

Today, 5 March 2013, 11 year old Zach Atkinson from Manchester joins the cast of Billy Elliot the Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre to play Billy Elliot's best friend Michael. He alternates the role with current Michaels, Joe Massey and Thomas Moore.

Today, 5 March 2013, 11 year old Zach Atkinson from Manchester joins the cast of Billy Elliot the Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre to play Billy Elliot's best friend Michael. He alternates the role with current Michaels, Joe Massey and Thomas Moore. Check out the photos below!

MATILDA THE MUSICAL, produced by The Royal Shakespeare Company and The Dodgers, will begin previews tonight, March 4 and open on April 11, 2013 at Broadway's Shubert Theatre (225 West 44th Street). Meet the company of the new musical with videos of them from past productions and roles below!

MATILDA THE MUSICAL, produced by The Royal Shakespeare Company and The Dodgers, will begin previews tonight, March 4 and open on April 11, 2013 at Broadway's Shubert Theatre (225 West 44th Street).

MATILDA THE MUSICAL, produced by The Royal Shakespeare Company and The Dodgers, will begin previews on Monday March 4 and open on April 11, 2013 at Broadway's Shubert Theatre (225 West 44th Street).

Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Neal Street Productions and Kevin McCormick's production of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opens at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 25th June 2013, directed by Sam Mendes. In the videos below, Mendes introduces the show and takes you inside the set design for this whimsical production!