I covered the star-studded launch of the musical’s new run for The Upcoming.

The new cast of Billy Elliot: The Musical was revealed last week, at a press event attended by composer Elton John and director Stephen Daldry. The preview comes ahead of the musical’s return to the London stage in 2027, after a ten-year break.

I covered the event for The Upcoming, capturing the introduction of the four new leads and an entertaining Q&A with the iconic Elton.

The afternoon was emceed by director Stephen Daldry, who also directed the beloved 2000 film. Original West End Billy Liam Mower – returning in the new run as ‘Older Billy’ – handed on the baton as he introduced the four new stars: Noah Mannion, Rafferty Smale, Spencer Collins and William Gurney.

The boys then got the opportunity to ask a few questions of rock legend Elton John, composer of Billy Elliot: The Musical. “It destroyed me, I loved it so much,” he said of the original movie, when asked by Rafferty Smale what inspired him to write the musical:

Elton also explained to William Gurney why he was so excited for the musical’s return to the stage – and it’s not just the money!

We were then treated to a sneak preview of some of the best numbers from the musical – ‘Once We Were Kings’ and fan favourite ‘Electricity’. But to hear those, you’ll need to get a ticket 😉. Billy Elliot: The Musical will be touring Sunderland, Manchester and Edinburgh in 2026-27 before returning London’s West End in February 2027.