The Performing Arts Centre at Kingham Hill has brought back the magic of Billy Elliot The Musical, a show that captivated audiences for over a decade in the West End, winning four Olivier Awards and ten Tony Awards. In 2025, the much-loved production was revived and performed by the school’s talented cast and crew, from Thursday 27th to Saturday 29th March.
Set against the backdrop of the 1980s miners' strikes, the rise of anti-Thatcher sentiment, and the political battles of Arthur Scargill’s trade union, Billy Elliot The Musical tells the inspiring story of a young boy who discovers his passion for dance amidst deeply ingrained societal prejudices.
“Bringing this musical to life is no small feat, particularly given its intricate choreography,” said Mr Jones, Deputy Head and Director of the production. “When I was working on Matilda a few years ago, I was struck by the performance of 1st Former Sam – the only male dancer in an otherwise all-female troupe. His talent and confidence planted the seed of an idea, and that inspiration led us to this year’s production.” Now in the 3rd Form, Sam is one of the youngest pupils at Kingham Hill to take on a leading role in a recent school production.
Starring alongside Sam, his sister, Emily in the Lower Sixth, plays the role of Mrs Wilkinson, Billy’s brassy dance teacher. "I’ve really enjoyed the combination of dancing, acting, and singing,” Emily said. “I have a Drama Scholarship so I’ve been part of Academy since 1st Form, and have been involved in pretty much every Academy production since then. I just love it! I couldn’t imagine spending my Monday evenings any other way.”
The production also saw a standout performance from Fin, acting as Tony, Billy’s older brother: “To prepare for this role, I honestly didn't do as much as I should have to honour the seriousness of the topic, but I did enjoy researching the miner’s strikes, and visiting the different places in the UK affected by said strikes. I also, to the annoyance of my family, began practicing my Geordie accent over weekends and at home.” shared Fin.
He continued, “For me, one of the most rewarding things about theatre is to make the audience think. Of course, the laughs, cheers and applause count for something, if only my ego, but with a play such as Billy Elliot, there is a real message. We live and are educated somewhere where these issues are so far from most of our minds, and that most of the audience would not have historically been on the side of the miners, so it was good to hear feedback from many people that it made them think, or even cry for the ending.”
Reflecting on another theme of the play – breaking gender stereotypes – Mr Jones, shared his story of growing up in 1980’s Llanelli: “At school, my best friend dreamed of becoming a chef, but he faced plenty of teasing when he chose ‘Home Economics’ for his GCSEs. Back then, cooking was seen as something only girls did. Had he wanted to be a dancer, he would have been laughed out of the classroom entirely.”
“The character of Billy’s friend, Michael, also explores themes of self-acceptance and identity while providing a light-hearted contrast to the more intense moments of the show. His presence not only adds humor but highlights the broader message of breaking free from societal expectations – one of the core themes of the musical.”
Whilst Billy Elliot tells an emotionally charged story, this year’s production faced a unique challenge: how to direct a school production of a musical that includes strong language and reflects the social attitudes of the 1980s, including themes of homophobia and transphobia. “Fortunately, Lee Hall allows directors to make changes where necessary, giving us the flexibility to adapt the script.” commented, Mr Jones “I’ve edited the script, removing blasphemous phrases and much of the stronger language. However, I’ve kept a few lines where they serve an essential dramatic purpose, preserving the authenticity and emotional weight of the story.”
In the lead up to opening night, Headmaster, Mr Last, shared his excitement for the production: “I was not a sporty boy at school, but I absolutely loved acting in school plays and musicals. There is something incredibly powerful about being part of a cast that works for weeks towards a performance,” he commented. “Yes, there’s the buzz of being on stage and hearing the applause, but there’s also the camaraderie and fun that the cast share as they prepare.”
Billy Elliot The Musical has proven to be a memorable feat for Kingham Hill, demonstrating the incredible talent of its pupils and ongoing power of Lee Hall’s story.
