Billy Elliot 10th anniversary tour adult cast announced

The producers of Billy Elliot the Musical today announced the adult cast for the upcoming 10th anniversary tour, which opens at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in October 2019.

Starring as ballet teacher Mrs Wilkinson will be Kelley Abbey, one of Australia’s most accomplished performers, internationally renowned choreographer and award-winning creative director. Kelley began her career in the long running TV series E Street before starring on stage in productions including Sweet Charity, Grease the Arena Spectacular and Fame the Musical. Kelley won a Helpmann Award for her choreography in The Boy from Oz Arena Spectacular.

“I am so thrilled to be playing Mrs Wilkinson and returning to the stage in such a heartfelt and moving show as Billy Elliot the Musical. In my career I have been directing, choreographing and mentoring so many dancers, that playing Mrs Wilkinson who teaches and mentors young Billy, seems a perfect fit! There’s nothing more exciting than nurturing young people to transport themselves via dance and really connect with their authentic selves.”, said Kelley.

Justin Smith joins the cast in the role of Dad, Billy’s stoic father. Justin is an acclaimed theatre and screen actor. Musical credits including Jesus Christ Superstar and Rent. Most poignantly he also starred as Tony, Billy’s older brother in the original Australian production of Billy Elliot the Musical.

Playing Billy’s eccentric Grandma is actress Vivien Davies. Her extensive career has seen her perform in musicals including Les Misérables, Menopause the Musical, Buddy and Dusty as well in many and varied productions with the Melbourne Theatre Company.

Billy’s hot-headed brother Tony will be played by Drew Livingston. Drew’s stage work has seen him work extensively since graduating from WAAPA in 2010 including productions for the Sydney Theatre Company and in the acclaimed Australian production of the National Theatre’s War Horse.

Award winning actor Robert Grubb stars as George, a miner and the town’s boxing coach. Robert has worked extensively on stage and screen starring in many and varied television and film roles including Flying Doctors, Mad Max, and Gallipoli. Robert’s musical theatre credits including MAMMA MIA! the Musical, Sunset Boulevard, We Will Rock You, which earnt him a Helpmann Award and most recently Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

Other adult cast members who will form this outstanding company include Dean Vince (Mr Braithwaite), Danielle Everett (Dead Mum) and (in alphabetical order) Justin Anderson, Dion Bilios, Josh Gardiner, Isabel Hawthorne, Matt Heyward, Barbara Hughes, Caroline Kaspar, Alexander ‘Zan’ Kermond, Zoë Komazec, Sarah Kate Landy, Michael Lindner, Joe Miller, Joshua Russell, David Sirianni, Lisa Sontag, Darren Tyler and Paul Whiteley.

Australian Producer Louise Withers said, “The outstanding talents of the adult cast including Kelley Abbey, Justin Smith and Robert Grubb, will ensure a special night out. We are privileged to have this remarkable adult company who will soon be joined by the 4 extremely gifted boys who will play the inspiring lead role of Billy. This 10th Anniversary Production will certainly be celebrated with this world class cast.”

The inaugural Australian tour in 2007 as the first international production outside of the UK, prior to its Broadway premiere. With the first Australian tour concluding in Melbourne in 2009, this new 10th Anniversary Tour kicks off in 2019, ten years after the curtain came down in Australia.

Following the Sydney Lyric season the production will head to Melbourne at the Regent Theatre from February 2020, Crown Theatre Perth from June 2020, QPAC’s Lyric Theatre in Brisbane from July 2020 and the Festival Theatre at Adelaide Festival Centre from September 2020.

The four boys to play Billy and other child casting is yet to be announced.

More information is available at: Billyelliotthemusical.com.au