Elton John, Lee Hall and the stars of Billy Elliot the Musical – watch highlights from the official media launch

WhatsOnStage was recently invited to the official media launch for the return of Billy Elliot the Musical, where composer Elton John, book writer and lyricist Lee Hall, and director Stephen Daldry were all in attendance.

At the event, we were introduced to the four younger performers who, after a lengthy audition process, landed the titular role in the show. They are Noah Mannion (12 years old from Stockport), Rafferty Smale (12 years old from Leigh-on-Sea), Spencer Collins (13 years old from Los Angeles) and William Gurney (12 years old from Berkshire).

It was also confirmed that one of the three original Billy Elliots, Liam Mower, is set to return to the production to play Older Billy.

You can watch all the highlights from the event below:

Billy Elliot the Musical has been seen by more than 10.5 million people worldwide and has won over 80 international awards, including ten Tony Awards and five Olivier Awards. Based on the film, the stage adaptation is set during the 1984–85 miners’ strike and follows Billy’s journey from boxing to ballet, changing his life and community.

The production features choreography by Peter Darling, scenic design by Ian MacNeil, costume design by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher, sound design by Paul Arditti, and wigs, hair and make-up design by Campbell Young. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch. The tour director is Simon Pollard and the associate choreographer is Jeroen Luiten. Adult casting is by Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher and children’s casting is by Nick Hockaday for Jessica Ronane Casting.

The tour begins at Sunderland Empire on 4 November 2026 and visits Manchester Palace Theatre and Edinburgh Playhouse, before landing in the West End at the Adelphi Theatre from 12 February 2027. Tickets are on sale below.