Unless you're a fan of stage musicals, this is a big bust. The original movie was masterful, with the music selection and the direction and the cinematography. I so disliked every single thing about this stage production (with a couple exceptions). Not every single minor character needs a solo to pad it out to three hours, ffs. Mr. Braithwaite, for example. Really?Elliot Hanna was brilliant as Billy, and there were a couple set pieces that featured him that are tear-inducing. The rest of it... meh.

For some reason, I find that this musical version (based on the Oscar nominated 2000 movie) packs a far greater emotional punch. Perhaps it's because it's live or that they're able to expand a little bit more on the story but I found every scene involving Billy and his late mother just ripped my heart apart. Ruthie Henshall is a national treasure and was fantastic playing Mrs. Wilkinson as was Deka Walmsley who played the father. Credit must go to Elliott Hanna who was an incredible Billy who was (at the time) the youngest to assume the titular role. The stamina required to be a stage performer still blows me away and seeing all these actors literally caked in sweat while performing immensely difficult dance routines while singing persistently for 3 hours makes me appreciate just how incredible these performers are.

I'm sad I was never able to watch this in the theatre before it came to an end but I'm thankful they released an edition on DVD. The acting, cinematography, the script, the clever lighting and tricks, the costumes, the music all make this one of the best musical stage productions ever to be made.

Oh and the Tom Holland cameo at the end where all the past and present Billys performed a specially choreographed routine was brilliant. People often forget that this was where he started his career and I'm thrilled he took the time to return to the role for this special occasion.

There's really not much that can be said about this other than it is just fantastic. The energy and talent on display here is phenomenal and we get a front row seat - better in fact, because we're often actually on the stage watching from close quarters. Kudos to Elliott Hanna, in fact to anyone who performs the role of Billy Elliott. The amount of skill, athleticism and energy required (and on display here) is phenomenal. Young Elliott is wonderful and you'll be worn out watching him! He IS Billy Elliott. All the cast are great and the stagecraft is brilliant. I would suggest that you will enjoy this more if you have seen the movie first. If I was to make one criticism, and it's not really a criticism, it is the original musical score by Elton John. It's great and appropriate and enjoyable while you're actually watching the stage show, but there are no songs that you'll be humming afterwards. It's mostly pretty forgettable. Still, that doesn't detract at all from a great show and you won't be sorry you invested 2? hours or so on this.