Matt Ward Entertainment captivated the Gold Coast’s hearts once again with their utterly entertaining production of Billy Elliot the Musical. Playing at The Star, Gold Coast until August the smash-hit West End and Broadway story opened to an immediate standing ovation on the night of the Queensland Premiere. The performance showcased a plethora of new and experienced talent to introduce the Sunshine State to the tale of acceptance, humour, and remarkable choreography with songs by the legendary Elton John. The much-loved narrative is set in the 1980s during the miners’ strike in England when a young boy named Billy accidently discovered his love of dance and never turned back.
The epic child role of Billy Elliot was played on opening night by triple threat, Harrison Smith. Harrison shares the role with Diesel Batson and Ethan Dahl, alternating on different nights. Harrison was absolutely brilliant as the boxer turned ballet dancer. He was emotive in scenes with his late Mother and in the ‘Angry dance’ at the end of Act 1. Then he was comedic throughout his scenes with the ballet teacher and his friends. Harrison through Billy was accepting of others and fearless as he left it all on the floor with his out-of-this-world dance ability. His performance of the song ‘Electricity’ left the audience in awe of his immense talent. Remember his name. His passion was extremely electric.
Tremendous musical theatre performer, Debora Krizak became the eccentric, no-nonsense Ballet Teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson. Debora had an incredible stage presence and frank persona with the ballet girls and especially with how she interacted with Billy and discovered his potential with dance. A stand-out moment was when she performed ‘The Letter’ song as she read the letter that Billy’s Mum wrote him before she passed away, it was a touching emotional moment that tugged at the audience’s heartstrings. To juxtapose, Debora was compelling in the scene with her dance assistant and piano player, Mr. Braithwaite played spectacularly by Ben Trigger. The number ‘Born to Boogie’ was hilarious as they were teaching and encouraging Billy to dance.
James Shaw brilliantly embodied Billy’s Dad, a tough Northern English miner who was on the picket line striking with his older son, Tony remarkably played by Daniel R Nixon. They both were not impressed when they discovered Billy wanted to dance and played the characters with such gusto and fight, trying to support the family during a difficult time of losing their Wife and Mother respectively.
They really displayed beautiful character development in the second act when they grew to accept Billy for his love of his new passion, displayed in the song ‘He could be a star’ and you see James’ sensitive side as at Billy’s dance school audition.
Kate Peters personified the role of Billy’s Grandma with such spunk and energy, even through the lens of her character’s dementia, it was exciting to witness, particularly in the number ‘Grandma’s song.’
Elliot Baker exhibited his love for performing as Billy’s boxing coach, George in the most hilarious way as he tried to get Billy and Michael to box each other even though they didn’t really want to hurt their friend.
Chloe Rose Taylor presented to the audience a wonderfully emotive performance as Billy’s late Mother as she came to him in visions to help him make tough decisions, this was especially true during the musical number, ‘The Letter (Billy’s reply).’
Shining star, Lachlan King illustrated he was born for the stage as he owned the role of Billy’s bestfriend, Michael. Hayden Doidge and Cohen Nash share the role with Lachlan on alternating nights. Lachlan showcased his comedic chops in the song that brought down the house, ‘Expressing Yourself.’ The audience loved the bond between Billy and Michael and how Billy joined his friend in a dress and they both accepted each other for they were in the most sassy and loving way.
The children ensemble was so entertaining and cohesive as the Ballet Girls collectively displayed their talent to act like they didn’t have dance talent at the beginning of the show. But by the conclusion of the piece, they displayed their gorgeous young ability to bring joy to the audience with their nuanced characters and moments.
Rose Statham took on the role of Debbie, the Ballet Teacher’s daughter on opening night and had the right amount of sass and smarts, especially her scenes with Billy and the casual but hilarious kid swearing throughout the show. Layla Little plays Debbie on alternating performances. Edward Hill was sweet and confident as the Small Boy during the show and shares the role with Hudson Harris on different nights.
This show would be nothing without the dedicated adult Ensemble and Swings cast. Nikolas Mills, Gabriel Tiller, Brandon Dowery, Kye Hall, Stephen Hirst, Caity Plummer, Giovanni Young, Jordan Twigg, Michael Hughes, Leah Lim, Reindert Toia and Justin Anderson played various roles during the lively musical, including policeman, miners, parents and more.
The triple threats were so superb to watch in the different group dances and all cast moments. A highlight moment was the repeated musical number, ‘Solidarity song.’ The song intertwined the miners wanting better pay and conditions for the work they do. The dance was so effective with the ballet dancers, miners, and policemen all changing hats, props and collaborating as one as a fantastic metaphor that they were all connected. Another featured moment was the miners going back down to the mine, with the headlights in our eyes during the song ‘Once we were kings.’
The aspect of dance in the production was emphasised further by ensemble member, Jayden Grogan. He performed an exquisite dream ballet of Swan Lake in unison with Harrison as Billy. Jayden was so graceful and powerful playing the older version of Billy as they danced as one, diving into what Billy’s future could look like. Their technique and poise was magical to witness, leaving the Queensland audience in awe.
Matt Ward Entertainment’s creative team made Billy Elliot the Musical a wonderful night out for the dreamer in all of us. The cast was phenomenal and didn’t skip a beat, the sets were imaginative, the choreography was emotive, the talented crew and musicians made the show incredibly joyous and the audience absolutely loved the English comedic element to the production. The heartwarming musical incorporating outstanding young talent is not to be missed, playing for only 5 weeks at The Star, Gold Coast.
TICKETS || The Star, Gold Coast
Playing now until 13 August
All images supplied.
The Fame Reporter 