Aletheia

Just watched a local performance of Billy Elliot yesterday. The 13-y.o. playing Billy is Philipp Mergener, and he’s been doing ballet since he was four.

I love some of the additions the musical made (compared to the movie):
- The mum’s letter
- Grandma’s song
- Dream dance sequence with older Billy
[SPOILERS kinda]
- What his dad decided to do after he confronted the dance teacher and went “He’s my son. He’s my responsibility.”

“No one can give what I can give him.” *is slayed*

I don’t like musical!Michael as much as movie!Michael. Also, nothing can beat movie!Billy’s angry dance. The musical angry dance feels contrived and therefore doesn’t have as much impact…

This local performance doesn’t employ enough pauses to build anticipation. But I guess they already clock at 2 hrs 30 minutes and didn’t want to make it longer?

In closing, Elliott Hanna performing “Electricity” in Billy Elliott the Musical Live.
Ickle!Tom Holland* and two other Billys performing “Electricity” together.

* Tom Holland was one of the West End Billy Elliots from September 2008 to May 2010. He trained for 2.5 years before taking on the role.

#aw geez I love Billy's dad so much #Jackie Elliott