2019 Australian Tour Reviews (Sydney)

[porschesrule]

A very positive first review from the press, this one from Limelight Magazine:

https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/re ... al-sydney/

[andrewcraig]

I felt the reviewer almost ignored the boy{s}playing Billy. I thought it would have more to say about which Billy performed.
Strange, but the press night was last night. Maybe hopefully more in Sundays press

[porschesrule]

Here's a second good review, this one from WA Today.


Among other things, the reviewer gets right to the heart of the matter with this quote:

This show, however, is ultimately about the kids. There’s nothing cute about Billy and his young colleagues: from the gaggle of tutus that swarm the stage in ‘Shine’, to Michael’s joyous dance of the dresses, to Billy’s astonishing Angry Dance, the young performers don’t just steal the show, they own it. Indeed, apart from the tight, exuberant dance numbers, the younger actors carry a huge amount of the emotional punch of the story. Like when Debbie (Gabrielle Daggar) tells Billy, ‘you’re shit’. It cuts straight through the proverbial.

And does the reviewer think BETM is still relevant today?

Ten years on, Billy Elliot still stands out from the crowd. Indeed, as the protesters assemble a massive, fading sign reading ‘National Coal Board’ before facing the police riot squad, the story takes on a new poignancy. Growing up is hard, change is harder, and all art is political.

https://www.watoday.com.au/culture/musi ... UHEpuu25HY

[porschesrule]

Timeout.com has some very positive things to say about the Australian Tour production of BETM:


https://www.timeout.com/sydney/theatre/ ... cal-review

[porschesrule]

A really nice review in The Guardian: "Billy Elliot the Musical review – the sweetest spots are still the strongest"

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2019/ ... -strongest

[Sheffan]

The adults are richly drawn. Justin Smith – who played Billy’s older brother Tony in the Australian premiere season – is touching and funny, this time playing Billy’s Dad. His beery Deep Into The Ground is a musical highlight and he brings a deft comic touch to Billy’s audition for Royal Ballet School.
Abbey’s is very good as the tough but tender dance teacher and Dean Vince shines in the relatively minor role of her shambling accompanist. There’s good work also from Drew Livingstone (Tony) and Vivien Davies as Billy’s dotty grandmother.

https://www.audreyjournal.com.au/arts/b ... lgQqLPqDy8

[Sheffan]

Performer Jamie Rogers proves himself technically accomplished in the title role, with countless pirouettes and chaînés turns keeping us amazed and thrilled. Billy’s best friend Michael is played by James Sonnemann, a hugely charismatic actor whose precise comic timing has us eating out of his hand, at every appearance. Gabrielle Daggar is another child star who delivers the laughs, very endearing as the mischievous Debbie

https://suzygoessee.com/2019/10/18/revi ... SJSr03Cqcw

[Sheffan]

Billy Elliot the Musical is funny, uplifting and jam-packed with superb choreography and entertaining performances from the entire cast. Whether you’re a first-timer or a Billy loyalist, this production is guaranteed to get your foot tapping during the show.

http://the-f.com.au/lifestyle/sydney-th ... _CTL5sxt1I

[Real Geordie]

"....All of this must be exhilarating for the cast. There is a sense of urgency in their performances, enhanced by the realness of their characters and the story...."

http://www.stagewhispers.com.au/reviews ... ot-musical

Plus opening night video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0UcmSX6iXc

[porschesrule]

Broadway World Australia chimes in with its review of the show in Sydney:

https://www.broadwayworld.com/sydney/ar ... s-20191021