Billy Elliot the Forum

I'm lost.... what is Goodbye Grandma???

It's a song that was originally included in the London show, but it was axed during previews.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWLcfN9yyxQ

Musically, I think it would be one of the best songs in the show had it been left in. But I would agree that the lyrics don't really fit the plot. Probably would make more sense for it to just be on a regular Elton John album.

Steamboy wrote:To see someone in black leather and boots spout the Diaghelev line undermines the division between Billy and his community.

I don't think so. There are enough miners to emphasize that division. Mr Braithwaite coming from the pub delivering an elaborate line about ballet is hilarious, I love it!

As to "Not him and all", I'm german and I got it at once.

Some people happen to have cerebal palsy; why can't that mother happen to be one of them?

Of course it's possible. I just prefer it the other way. After all, the question posed at the top of this thread is: "Is there any part of the show you don't like?" I don't like that particular line delivery for the reasons I have given.

To get back on topic, I can think of three parts I do not like:

-the mincing clip board scene, during the Royal Ballet audition, as has been done at the VPT. It seems over the top. Much better done with the 'glowering', menacing look.

-sometimes the clipboard lady overdoes her part in the 'You mean...you go down there' or whatever. Also, she can overdo it during the following cigarette scene. Again, as done at the VPT.

I never liked the post man scene (delivering the letter) as was done on Tour. Much better the way it is done in London, with Grandma bringing in the letter (and I love her whistle!).

ERinVA wrote:

Steamboy wrote:...Mr. Braithwaite. He used to be a down-on-his-luck english professor, all tweed jackets and sweaters, now he's a refugee from a Meat Loaf album cover.

I believe you are confusing the characterization of Mr. Braithwaite from the film with his characterization in the show. The first Mr. Braithwaite in London was Alex Delamere, and believe me, he was not dressed in tweed jackets and sweaters...

I mostly remember Alec (iirc) as Mr B in London, and my best recollection is that his hair was not the long stringy curls we saw on Broadway, tour, and the Live disc, but instead was bald on top, with short crew-cut fringe around the back and sides. I don't recall precisely what he did wear, but I don't remember it as being a motorcycle gang member's leather jacket and boots.

Checking my copy of 'Through the Lens', what few pics of Mr. B there are show him in faded jeans and long-sleeved striped shirts, with collar-length hair, but a few other pics in programs show the hair I remember in non-Mr B moments.

In any case, I don't think that Mr B should be classifiable, socially, with the miners. It's the difference between 'most' miners not approving of ballet, and 'all' miners not approving. Any adult role models within Billy's own society would lessen his feelings of isolation.

Alex Delamere was bald. His Mr. B. had muttonchop sideburns, but those were fake. But no Mr. Braitwaite has that I'm aware of has worn a tweed jacket (I am thinking "sportcoat" kind of jacket) except for the character in the movie. I agree with you that I liked Alex's bald look, and when BETM on Broadway cast Thommie Retter as Mr. B, I was disappointed that they gave him a wig. I agree that I did not like the jeans and motorcycle jacket costume that Mr. B. was given on the tour. It seemed completely out of place.

On another note, at first, in London, Alex played both Mr. Braithwaite and Big Davey.

the part i always dont like is when the final curtain comes down....