Saturday 14 November 2026
Billy Elliot The Musical dances into Palace Theatre Manchester next month, and new production photographs of the beloved British smash-hit have just been revealed. Universal Theatre Group and Working Title Films present the original award-winning production, which promises to dazzle and delight Manchester audiences this Christmas. The show runs from Wednesday 2 December 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027, and tickets are on sale now. Here are five things to know before you book.
1. It is the story of a boy who swaps boxing for ballet
Based on the highly successful film, Billy Elliot The Musical is set in a northern mining town against the backdrop of the 1984/85 miners’ strike. It follows young Billy’s journey from the boxing ring to the ballet class, where he discovers a passion for dance that he never knew he had. That passion goes on to inspire his family and his whole community, and it changes his life forever. The production is based on the Universal Pictures/Studio Canal film, so fans of the much-loved movie will find plenty to recognise, now told with the added power of live music and dance on stage.
2. Four young performers share the title role
The role of Billy will be shared by Noah Mannion, aged 13, from Stockport, Rafferty Smale, aged 12, from Leigh-on-Sea, Spencer Collins, aged 13, from California, and William Gurney, aged 13, from Berkshire. Liam Mower will play Older Billy, and he has a special connection to the show: in 2006, Liam Mower, James Lomas and George Maguire, the first three boys to play the title role, became the youngest performers ever to have won the Olivier Award for Best Actor. In total, more than 125 boys have now played the iconic role on stage around the world.
3. Lesley Joseph leads a strong adult company as Grandma
The young stars are joined on stage by Annette McLaughlin as the dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson, Deka Walmsley as Dad, Jack Bandeira as Tony and Lesley Joseph as Grandma. Billy’s best friend Michael will be played in rotation by Harper Etienne, Dalton Jones, Theo Kamande and Oisin-Luca Pegg, while Lola Cant, Paige Cook and Scarlett Gardener alternate the role of Debbie. A troupe of 18 young Ballet Girls completes the picture, alongside a large adult ensemble including Natasha J Barnes, Jenny Legg, Perry O’Dea and Shirley Jameson, so expect a big, busy and spirited stage this festive season.
4. It has been seen by more than 12 million people
Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, Billy Elliot The Musical has been seen by more than 12 million people across five continents. It has received over 80 awards internationally, including 10 Tony Awards and five Olivier Awards. Alongside the history-making Best Actor win for its three original Billys in 2006, the show also picked up the Olivier Award for Best Musical that year. Few British musicals have travelled so widely or collected so many honours, which makes this Manchester run a great opportunity to see what all the fuss is about, whether you are a first-timer or a returning fan.
5. Elton John and the film’s original team created it
The musical is brought to life by the multi-award-winning creative team behind the film, including writer Lee Hall, who wrote the book and lyrics, director Stephen Daldry and choreographer Peter Darling. They are joined by Elton John, who composed the show’s score. Scenic design is by Ian MacNeill, costume design by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti, with musical supervision and orchestrations by Martin Koch. The tour director is Simon Pollard, and the show is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Jon Finn, with David Furnish and Angela Morrison as executive producers.
Tickets and info
Billy Elliot The Musical
Wednesday 2 December 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027
Palace Theatre Manchester, 97 Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6FT
Tickets on sale now via ATG Tickets