Watch Billy Elliot The Musical

Billy Elliot the Musical from 2014 is a thrilling adaptation of the 2000 film Billy Elliot, directed by Stephen Daldry, with music by Elton John and lyrics by Lee Hall. Set in a small mining town in northern England during the 1984-1985 strike, it tells the inspiring story of a young boy named Billy (played by Elliott Hanna) who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer despite his tough background and the opposition of his family and community.

The movie begins with a somber scene of the miners gathering outside the pit, ready to go on strike in protest of the government's plan to close it. Among them is Billy's father Jackie (played by Deka Walmsley), a tough and proud man who has lost his wife and is raising Billy and his older brother Tony (played by Scott Garnham) on his own. Jackie is skeptical of Billy's interest in ballet, thinking it's not a real man's activity, but his grandmother (played by Ann Emery) is more supportive and encourages him to pursue his passion. Billy secretly starts taking ballet lessons with the help of his teacher Mrs. Wilkinson (played by Ruthie Henshall), a tough but caring woman who sees potential in him and sparks his love for dance.

The movie follows Billy's journey as he auditions for the Royal Ballet School in London, faces the challenges of his training, and confronts the prejudice and doubts of those around him. Along the way, he befriends a boy his age named Michael (played by Ollie Jochim), who is openly gay and shares his love of dance, and develops a touching relationship with Mrs. Wilkinson, who has her own troubled past she's escaping from. The movie features many memorable songs, such as "The Stars Look Down", "Shine", "Solidarity", "Expressing Yourself", and "Electricity", that blend rock, pop, and ballad styles and express the characters' emotions and aspirations.

The movie is a showcase of impressive acting, singing, and dancing talent, especially from its young cast. Elliott Hanna delivers a remarkable performance as Billy, conveying his vulnerability, determination, and joy with natural ease and grace. He's also a superb dancer, showcasing his skills in powerful and emotional solos like "Electricity" and "Angry Dance". Ollie Jochim also shines as Michael, bringing a lot of humor and heart to the role and nailing the hilarious "Expressing Yourself" duet with Billy. The adult actors are equally strong, with Ruthie Henshall bringing a lot of depth and complexity to Mrs. Wilkinson, Bradley Perret making a charming and sympathetic love interest for her, and Deka Walmsley conveying the tough love and inner conflicts of Jackie with authenticity.

The movie is also a feast for the eyes, with stunning sets, costumes, and choreography that channel the 80s vibe and evoke the industrial and cultural contrasts of the era. The ballet scenes are particularly beautiful, mixing classic and modern styles and using clever props and projections to enhance the storytelling. The movie also tackles some powerful themes and issues, such as the impact of poverty, unemployment, and politics on families and communities, the value and challenges of art and self-expression, the diversity and acceptance of sexuality and gender, and the importance of empathy and connection.

Overall, Billy Elliot the Musical from 2014 is a must-see for fans of musicals, dance, and uplifting stories. It honors the legacy of the original movie while adding new layers of depth and emotion, and showcases the talents of a new generation of performers. Whether you know the story already or not, you'll be moved and inspired by Billy's journey and the power of art to overcome adversity and unite people.

Billy Elliot The Musical is a 2015 music movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4.