Fergus Paterson of Avoca Beach will be front and centre when Newcastle dresses up in ballet shoes and tutus this October for a thrilling piece of musical theatre coming to town for the first time.
Billy Elliot The Musical was a West End and Broadway phenomenon, charming audiences, and critics alike since its premiere in 2005, with the New York Post declaring it “the best show you will ever see”.
It has now been seen by more than 12 million people across five different continents and is one of the most popular musicals in the world.
Billy Elliot The Musical will make its Newcastle debut at the magnificent Civic Theatre on October 7 with Fergus Paterson of Avoca Beach starring in the lead role as Billy Elliot.
And Fergus isn’t the only Central Coast performer in the show, Nicholas Langthorne from Kincumber is also one of the leads, playing Billy’s older brother, Tony.
Producer and artistic director of The Very Popular Theatre Company, Daniel Stoddart, said given its global following, the company was ecstatic to finally give audiences across the Central Coast, Newcastle and Hunter region the opportunity to relish in this funny, touching, inspiring and uplifting night at the theatre.
“In 2022, Very Pop was one of only four theatre companies granted a licence to stage this show outside of an Australian capital city, and we wasted no time getting plans in place to bring this one to Newcastle audiences,” Stoddart said.
Featuring iconic music by the legendary Elton John, Billy Elliot The Musical is a coming-of-age story of the motherless boy who begins taking ballet lessons, only to discover an entirely new world awaiting him.
Set in a northern English town during the miners’ strike of 1984-85, the show follows Billy’s journey from boxing ring to ballet class, where he uncovers a passion for dance which unites his family, inspires his community and changes his life forever.
It is an extraordinary theatrical experience brought to life by the award-winning creative team behind the smash hit film.
“After charming packed houses on Broadway and in the West End, Newcastle is going to fall in love with Billy too,” Stoddart said.
“In 2022, we broke box office records by selling more than 11,000 tickets to Jersey Boys and likewise we expect Billy to attract thousands of people into the city.
“This is a significant boost for local tourism and shines a spotlight on our city as a major centre for world class musical theatre and entertainment.”
Auditions were held in February and a stellar cast has been assembled, including Australian musical theatre leading light, Chloe Dallimore, as the dance teacher, Mrs Wilkinson.
Dallimore will star alongside a host of Newcastle Theatre luminaries, including Danny Folpp, Marty Worrall and Felicity Biggins, just to name a few.
Fergus, 13, has been double-cast to play Billy along with 12-year-old Lewis Nicholson and will alternate performances over the three-week run at the Civic Theatre.
The role of Billy’s best friend, Michael, has also been double-cast and will be played by Conway Oakhill-Saarenpaa and Charlie Murphy.
In a unique collaboration showcasing the very best of dance and drama on offer in Newcastle, Very Pop is collaborating with the prestigious National College of Dance (NCD) to train the four young male leads in ballet, jazz and acrobatics, and assist with vocal coaching.
They spent months training in ‘Billy School’, undertaking private lessons with NCD’s Artistic Director Brett Morgan and Creative Director Jake Burden in collaboration with the show’s choreographer Lauren Harvey.
It was the perfect preparation for the young performers taking on these monumental roles in the lead-up to full cast rehearsals commencing in July.
“We are thrilled to have assembled such a strong cast and to be collaborating with NCD to ensure their performances are world class,” Stoddart said.
“This show is irresistible and shamelessly enjoyable, and Billy Elliot is the perfect vehicle to showcase the exciting new talent coming through local dance and drama schools.
“We know the story of the working-class boy battling for acceptance and recognition will resonate with audiences and they’ll delight in seeing a performer of Chloe’s stature working with local talent – both established and emerging – to bring this captivating tale to life on the magnificent Civic Theatre.”
Billy Elliot The Musical will play for a strictly limited three-week season at the Civic Theatre from October 7.
Source:
Very Popular Theatre Company
Couldn’t have a more talented Billy in Fergus.
I wish him every success.