Chat about BETM UK/Ireland Tour

Real Geordie
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Re: Chat about BETM UK/Ireland Tour

Post by Real Geordie »

At least we know from this short video some of those who will not be leaving the tour when it moves to Hamburg (and presumably also Liverpool and Milton Keynes). Although Lewis is not in the video with the other Billys he has featured in all of the promotional videos for Hamburg, and presumably was otherwise engaged on the day. Announcements awaited with interest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKl_ya--9Zw
Real Geordie
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Re: Chat about BETM UK/Ireland Tour

Post by Real Geordie »

Interview with Wayne Fitzsimmons, ensemble member and native of Birmingham

https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/st ... ly-elliot/
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Re: Chat about BETM UK/Ireland Tour

Post by kport »

The three stars of the hit musical ‘Billy Elliot’ enjoyed some downtime from their busy touring schedule earlier today with a visit to the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham.

Haydn May, Emile Gooding and Lewis Smallman (who, alongside co-star Addam Abbou, alternate the principal role of ‘Billy Elliot’ on UK Tour) were joined by their fellow young cast mates for a morning of underwater exploration at the popular family aquarium.

The boys also found time to showcase some of their signature moves in the 360 degree ocean tunnel….
http://www.instantencore.com/buzz/item. ... yId=556986
kport
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Re: Chat about BETM UK/Ireland Tour

Post by kport »

Billy will soon be seen among the concrete cows of Milton Keynes. But, come on National Theatre website - there have been more than double the number of actors playing the role, worldwide!
In total, worldwide, ninety four boys have now played the iconic role of Billy Elliot on stage
http://www.atthetheatre.co.uk/2017/04/b ... s-theatre/

Here is a recent interview with Stephen Daldry:

http://www.atthetheatre.co.uk/2017/04/i ... en-daldry/
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porschesrule
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Re: Chat about BETM UK/Ireland Tour

Post by porschesrule »

kport wrote:Billy will soon be seen among the concrete cows of Milton Keynes. But, come on National Theatre website - there have been more than double the number of actors playing the role, worldwide!

Quote:
In total, worldwide, ninety four boys have now played the iconic role of Billy Elliot on stage


http://www.atthetheatre.co.uk/2017/04/b ... s-theatre/
I question that 94 number. Who does it include -- perhaps only those who have played the role professionally? There have been, in fact 192 boys to date who have played Billy on stage in a professional, regional or community theatre production of the show (not including youth or school productions). Here is the list as we've recorded it: https://betm.theskykid.com/billys-debut/

So who has been left off of the quoted listing?

I've written to the author of that article inquiring who the 94 includes. I think it's only fair to the 98 boys left out that the criteria for being included in that number be made known.
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porschesrule
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Re: Chat about BETM UK/Ireland Tour

Post by porschesrule »

I got a quick response to the email I mentioned in my earlier post.

Here's the answer to who's included in the 94 number:

"Hi Gary,

Thank you for taking the time to drop me an e-mail. Your knowledge is impressive - I've taken a look at your website and you certainly know your stuff when it comes to emerging talent.

As you correctly identified - it is a figure based on certain criteria. We're only counting professional productions. I agree with you completely when you say that many other boys have done an excellent job in the role and that the criteria should at least be specified. I have amended the sentence to state "professionally". Should we write a more detailed feature of the production itself in the future we would be sure to use your site as one of our resources.

The producers provide us with many of the statistics for the show so you may find this is the figure across many news outlets.

Thank you for your time and best wishes with your site.


Kind Regards,
Rob Stanway
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Re: Chat about BETM UK/Ireland Tour

Post by kport »

That is a pretty impressive - and speedy - response!
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CJ-Rochester
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Re: Chat about BETM UK/Ireland Tour

Post by CJ-Rochester »

Glad to hear you followed up with them, Gary, and glad they responded. The remark about "only counting professional productions" seems puzzling, as I thought nearly all of the productions of BETM thus far have been professional. No use making a huge case about it I guess.
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porschesrule
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Re: Chat about BETM UK/Ireland Tour

Post by porschesrule »

CJ-Rochester wrote:Glad to hear you followed up with them, Gary, and glad they responded. The remark about "only counting professional productions" seems puzzling, as I thought nearly all of the productions of BETM thus far have been professional. No use making a huge case about it I guess.
We're thinking that the 94 number includes the Billys who appeared in only those productions that the London producers have had personal involvement with: London, Australia, Broadway, Seoul, Chicago/Toronoto, US Tour, Netherlands, UK Tour. The numbers for those shows are a pretty good match to that total.

But at least some of the regional US/Canadian productions have been shows that the Billys and other cast members have received a stipend for. Those should be considered "professional" as well, in my opinion.
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Re: Chat about BETM UK/Ireland Tour

Post by Sheffan »

interview with Lee Hall from the Wirral Globe concerning the Liverpool Empire run:

http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/15244 ... ref=twtrec
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