City of Newcastle welcomes the worldwide musical phenomenon Billy Elliot the Musical to Newcastle for the first time, and to the magnificent Civic Theatre. This coming-of-age stage musical, with music by Sir Elton John, has been seen by almost 12 million people across five continents and collected more than 80 awards in its lifetime. The show follows Billy’s journey from boxing ring to ballet class, where he discovers a passion for dance that unites his family, inspires his community and changes his life forever. Spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, unforgettable songs and incredible costumes, Billy Elliot the Musical is an extraordinary theatrical experience that has captivated audiences around the world. The similarities between the show’s storyline and the transformation of Newcastle, from a coal and steel city to one fully embracing the cultural and artistic endeavours of its community, is truly heartwarming and I’m so pleased we are able to host such a production. Large scale musicals attract guests from near and far to our beautiful city and the Civic Theatre is the perfect historic venue to host this world-class production. This builds on the city’s status as a premier tourism, arts and major events destination, having hosted Sir Elton John himself on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour earlier in the year. I would like to congratulate Daniel and Hayley Stoddart and The Very Popular Theatre Company for continuing to mature our local audiences with professional quality, locally produced events and for bringing Billy Elliot the Musical to Newcastle and building the capacity for Newcastle to host major musical events. I wish the cast, crew and orchestra every success for a wonderful season. Enjoy the show! LORD MAYOR COUNCILLOR NUATALI NELMES City of Newcastle A MESSAGE FROM THE LORD MAYOR OF NEWCASTLE 3
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