Curve Leicester delays opening of Billy Elliot The Musical revival

Curve Leicester has announced a delay to the opening of its new revival of Billy Elliot The Musical.

A brand new Made at Curve production will run at the venue this summer, now opening from 13 July.

Originally running to 14 August, the show will now run to 20 August.

In a statement, Curve Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said: “Unfortunately, valuable rehearsal time for Billy Elliot the Musical has been lost due to a number of covid cases in our company.

“Therefore, we have made the decision to cancel performances from Thursday 7th to Tuesday 12th July to allow us to make up time in the rehearsal room and ensure we deliver a first-class production for our audiences.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this delay in opening. All customers affected by the show postponement have been contacted by our Box Office team. If you have not received an email from us, then please contact us on [email protected].

“Whilst we are disappointed BILLY is opening a little later than planned, we are pleased to announce we are extending the run by an extra week with final performances now scheduled until Saturday 20th August.

“The Billy Elliot company is now fighting fit, and we would like to thank them for their spirit and dedication to this production. We cannot wait to share this electrifying Made at Curve musical with you all next month!”

Based on Stephen Daldry’s BAFTA-winning 2000 film starring Jamie Bell and Julie Walters, Billy Elliot the Musical features music from Elton John and book and lyrics by Lee Hall.

Directed by Nikolai Foster, the new production is choreographed by Lucy Hind, with Musical Supervisor and Musical Director George Dyer.

Casting was announced previously, with Leo Hollingsworth, Alfie Napolitano, Samuel Newby and Jaden Shentall-Lee sharing the title role.

The adult cast will include Sally Ann Triplett, Joe Caffrey, Rachel Izen, Luke Baker and Jessica Daley.