By Eleanor Davies
When the phenomenon of Billy Elliot took to the stage in the West End, it was an instant success drawing fans from right across the world.
And now one of the first Youth Theatres are going to be tackling the production to rival its West End counterpart!
The Youth on Stage Theatre Company will be bringing Billy to Barking later this month, and actor Michael Rideout, who plays Billy’s father, Jackie Elliot, can’t wait!
“It’s going to be completely fantastic,” the 17-year-old tells me. “We’ve got three cast members from the original Billy Elliot show in London and there’s so much energy, we’ve all bonded really well so it’ll be a really good show.”
The Youth on Stage, which are based in South Essex, were formed by industry professionals to give young people a chance to appear in unique productions.
And following this show Michael and Charles Crosydil, who plays Billy, will appear in the Billy Youth Theatre Gala at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London, which Michael hopes is just the beginning.
“I’ve always wanted to perform since I was four or five, ultimately I would like to perform in a West End production but If not I would love to teach,” Michael admits.
Well he’s well on his way to achieving his ultimate goal and has been using his love of the West End to help him make his role as Billy’s Dad, the best he can.
“I went to see the show in London shortly after the film came out and I’ve been back a couple of times as I love it” says Michael from Canvey.
“In the London production my character is very different to the film, the actor in the West End shows more emotion which is what I’ll try to bring to the character.”
But if acting doesn’t work out, Michael says he’d love to be a drama teacher, however with such enthusiasm and his talent already being spotted by the producers of Billy Elliot the Musical, I’m sure he won’t need it!
Billy Elliot the Musical will be at The Broadway Theatre, Barking from 21 to 24 July. For tickets call the Box Office on 020 8507 5607.