Curve in Leicester to stage first new UK production of musical Billy Elliot

Curve in Leicester is to stage the first new UK production of Billy Elliot the Musical, which will be directed by artistic director Nikolai Foster.

The show will have new choreography by Lucy Hind, and will run at the venue from July 7 to August 14, next year.

With music by Elton John and lyrics by Lee Hall, the musical first ran at the Victoria Palace Theatre in 2005, directed by Stephen Daldry.

Casting for the musical has yet to be confirmed, but the children’s casting will be managed by Jo Hawes. Adult casting is by Kay Magson.

The musical will have set and costume by Colin Richmond, with lighting by Curve associate Ben Cracknell.

Curve chief executive Chris Stafford and artistic director Foster said: “We are beyond excited to share Lee Hall and Elton John’s astonishing musical Billy Elliot with Curve audiences, ensuring summer 2022 in Leicester is truly memorable. Billy Elliot is a musical filled with incredible characters, epic ideas and at its heart, the story of a young boy who has the passion and courage to dance down a different path from the one prescribed for him.

"We are indebted to the incredible creatives who made Billy such a hit and hugely grateful they have trusted us to create the first brand new UK production for our audiences in Leicester.”

They added: “Collaborating with a terrific production team and an incredible cast of the most exciting young performers, we are proud to present this mighty musical which recognises the value of culture in our society, the importance of expressing your truest self and gives a voice to the courageous working class communities who are depicted in Lee Hall’s astonishing play. All beautifully framed by Elton John’s electrifying score.”

The show is produced by Curve, as part of Made at Curve.