Every time I rewatch Billy Elliot the Musical I am reminded how it is the origin story for like 20 percent of my personality and 80 percent of my writing/story interests.
I still remember the first time I saw it with my mom in London in 2010, on a complete whim after a recommendation from our tour guide. There are a couple of things in life you walk out of changed after a few hours and this was one of them. I was lucky enough to see it again in the fall of 2011 while I studied abroad.
But the true miracle is that they did a beautiful stage recording of the show in 2014 that we can now watch at any time. It’s something I turn to when I need it (I’ve actually written about it here before, back in 2020), and I needed it again today.
I dare you to find a better-performed song than “Solidarity” in a musical. Look, I know Hamilton exists but Billy Elliot will forever be my favorite. Elton John knew what was up when he wrote the music.
Also, a friendly reminder that our favorite Spider-Man, Tom Holland, once performed in Billy Elliot when he was a kid. Sadly I never saw him perform (and he is only in the filmed version in the reunion encore at the end and you have to squint to find him), but here’s a cute video interview with him:
With Love,
Natalie