Meet the Billys – London: Billy Elliot the Musical
Author’s Note: The profiles contained in this article are continually updated to stay current with the most up-to-date information. Last update: 1-Sep-2010
________________________________________________________________________
On May 12, 2005, the official Opening Night of the very first production of Billy Elliot the Musical took place in London’s West End. That night, Billy was portrayed by George Maguire. For the curtain calls, he was joined onstage by the other two originating Billys — James Lomas and Liam Mower.
____________________________________________________________________________
In May of 2010, Billy Elliot the Musical marked the 5th Anniversary of that Opening Night in the West End (though the celebration actually took place on March 31, 2010 -- five years from the date of the first preview performance). Since those days in 2005, 23 boys — all with extraordinary talent — have brought the title role to life at the Victoria Palace Theatre (VPT). In this article, we’ll introduce you to the young men who currently portray Billy in Billy Elliot the Musical in the West End of London. They are Dean-Charles Chapman, Ollie Gardner, Aaron Watson and Rhys Yeomans.
Please note: Four Billys -- Tanner Pflueger, Brad Wilson, Fox Jackson Keen and Tom Holland -- have departed from the London show since September 1, 2009. Their profiles can be found in the Meet the Billys: Profiles Archive .
_____________________________________________
Dean-Charles Chapman
Twelve year old Dean-Charles Chapman has taken an unusual path to the title role in that he has played three different roles in the London production — the first actor to do so in any location anywhere Billy Elliot the Musical has played. His love of theater and dance, and his determination to someday play Billy, have finally been rewarded. But it started five years ago.
Dean’s trek to the top of the cast board in the lobby of London’s Victoria Palace Theatre began in late 2004. At seven years old, he entered into rehearsals with the original cast of the show, and then played the role of Small Boy from March, 2005 to June, 2006. His idols back then were named James Lomas, George Maguire and Liam Mower — who were originating the role of Billy for the first time anywhere. Those first Billys obviously made quite an impression on the young Dean. At the Stage Door, the night of his last performance as Small Boy, he promised fans that he’d be back. And back he would be.
After leaving the show in the summer of 2006, Dean studied both Drama and Dance at Colin’s Performing Arts School in his hometown of Essex, England. Then, after a two and half year absence, Dean returned to the cast of BETM -- West End as Billy’s best friend, Michael, on December 3, 2008. The creative team liked what they saw in Dean’s acting and dance ability as Michael. So, after five months playing Michael, Dean left the show again in May of 2009 to devote himself to the training and rehearsals it would take to become Billy.
The culmination of all his hard work came when he debuted in the lead role on November 30, 2009. In a statement given in the days before his debut, Dean said “I am really excited about my first performance! I am going to dedicate my first performance as Billy to all those who have helped me along the way and Colin’s Performing Arts School where I studied…” Since his debut, Dean has drawn raves from theater goers for his self confident demeanor and his stage presence. Many especially like the fact that he is a “ballet Billy”, something they haven’t seen a lot of lately at the Victoria Palace Theatre. The phrase, “ballet Billy”, means ballet is the primary dance genre he displays in such big show numbers as “Electricity”.
On May 11, 2010, Dean, Jake Pratt (Michael) and a contingent of ballet girls performed a specially choreographed combination of the show’s Finale and Expressing Yourself on Britain’s ITV1 program “This Morning”.
Credit: Video by EllenaaXDancerr
It’s been a long trek, for sure, since those days five years ago, when a small boy of seven sat on the shoulders of the cast member who played his dad in that original cast of Billy Elliot the Musical.
For more information on Dean-Charles Chapman visit these websites:
Dean-Charles Chapman -- Billy Elliot Appreciation Society, Billy Elliot the Musical -- West End , Billy Elliot the Forum, and the Friends of Billy Elliot Forum
Note: The source of some photos in the above profile is the Dean-Charles Chapman -- Billy Elliot Appreciation Society (see their link above)
________________________________________
Oliver Gardner
Born on April 6, 1997, 13-year-old Oliver Gardner is affectionately known to family, friends and fans as Ollie. He is now the senior Billy in the London production.
Like nearly all the boys who have played the role, the Saltford (near Bath, England) lad started dance at an early age. From the age of five, Ollie began accompanying his sister to her dance classes at the Dorothy Coleborn School of Dancing, in Bath, because his mother was a piano accompanist there.
His first dance teacher, Annette Hind, who is the owner of the school, recalls: “Ollie would come and watch his sister’s dance classes because his mum was playing the piano and he would hide behind the piano because he was shy. I thought that because his sister was so good and because he came from such a musical family, that he must be good too. Eventually we persuaded him to join and it became clear very, very quickly, that he was going to be a star.” Ollie learned ballet, tap and modern dance at the school and in five years, at the age of nine, he became a Junior Associate at the Royal Ballet School and then, later, a Mid Associate there.
He auditioned for Billy Elliot in April of 2008, was offered the role, and completed the rigorous “Billy School” in record time for someone of his young age. The average training time for the role is 18 months.
Ollie’s debut as Billy, on May 12, 2009, was anything but ordinary. On his opening night, the show celebrated its fourth birthday and 1,700th show at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London. His family, friends and teachers were all in the sold out house to see him finally dance the part that he had been dreaming about for years.
When interviewed after the performance he said: “When I came off the stage I felt relieved. I was glad that finally all the training had paid off and that I had finally done it. I’m just really happy. I have always wanted to be Billy. Before I went on I was a bit nervous, but more excited.”
In this video from the show’s “We Are Billy Elliot” series, Ollie talks about what it’s like to play Billy:
On March 13, 2010 Ollie, Jake Pratt (who plays Michael, Billy’s best friend in the show), and the Ballet Girls performed on the BBC’s Let’s Dance for Sports Relief Show. They did a customized act that included parts of “Express Yourself” and “The Finale”:
Credit: Video by MrWestendboy
Just before the show’s 5th anniversary celebration, on March 29, 2010, Ollie appeared with Ann Emery (who plays his grandma in the show) on the BBC Breakfast program:
Credit: Video by BillyElliotStuff
You can see from recent appearances that this personable young man, this dynamo on stage, has gotten over his initial shyness. It has been announced that Ollie will perform his last show as Billy on September 25, 2010, after over 16 months in the role. With his incredible talent, there’s no doubt we’ll be hearing more from this young man in the days ahead.
Says Ollie’s first dance teacher, Annette Hind, “He was destined to play that part. That was what he said he always wanted to do. When he was having his ballet lessons it was always his goal to dance professionally. I can’t tell you how proud I am. It almost brings tears to my eyes because I know he is going to have such a fantastic career.”
Credit: Photo by Yui Mok
For more information about Ollie Gardner visit the following websites:
Billy Elliot the Musical -- West End , Billy Elliot the Forum and Friends of Billy Elliot
____________________________________________________
Aaron Watson
Twelve-year-old Aaron Watson became the 23rd boy to play the role of Billy in Billy Elliot the Musical on stage in London’s West End, when he debuted at the evening performance on Thursday, June 10, 2010.
His family includes mum Karen, dad Nick, older siblings Lisa and Shaun and a menagerie of five pets (including a dog, two cats and two guinea pigs).
Though he didn’t know it at the time, Aaron, who is from King’s Lynn (a town in Norfolk, England), began training to be Billy when he was five years old, enrolling in a gymnastics class. Two years later he added dance to that training, as he began taking classes at Footlights Dance Centre in King’s Lynn and, later, at the Bourne to Dance Academy of Dancing, in Bourne, England. His dance curriculum began with ballet and tap, and went on to include modern and contemporary. He also received drama training from the latter school.
At the age of nine, Aaron began auditioning for the role of Billy and gradually progressed through several callbacks. In November of 2007, he appeared with 13 past and present Billys at the 60th anniversary of BAFTA.
In this video of that performance, he can be seen toward the end – the smallest boy of the group who joins the boys tapping at the front of the stage and then ends up on James Lomas’s shoulders:
Credit: Video by karloz82
At the time of the BAFTA appearance, Aaron was enrolled in BETM London’s “Billy School”, which the show maintains in Leeds, England for boys who have been identified as potential Billys.
In 2009, Aaron took part in the popular British TV show “Britain’s Got Talent”. In this brief video clip, he is seen talking with the show’s Simon Cowell and then is viewed doing part of his performance:
Credit: Video by MrMerlin101
Since October, 2009, Aaron began living in the “Billy House” in London where the Billys, Michaels and Billys-to-be live together. He trained with the show’s creative staff there full time, preparing for his debut. The training was intense, with tutoring from 9am to 12:30pm five days a week and then training at the theatre or dance studios from 2pm to 8pm, Monday through Friday. And on Saturdays, except for no tutoring, it’s more of the same from 10am to 5pm.
Aaron talked about what it was like being away from home for any length of time for the first time in his life, “When I first went away it was really hard, but when you’ve been away for a while you start to get used to it. I’ve started to get more independent. It was really weird coming back (home) for the first time in a while. It was weird being back to a quiet place again.”
Aaron helped 19 past, present and future Billys celebrate the show’s 5th anniversary at the Victoria Palace Theatre (VPT) on March 31, 2010. In this photo, in which can be seen the future of the Billy rotation at the VPT, Aaron is seen with Billy-to-be Scott McKenzie (far right), as well as the last two Billys to take to the London stage before Aaron - Dean-Charles Chapman and Rhys Yeomans, all 12-years-old:
There’s no question that dancing is at the center of his young life. Aaron has said that after his days as Billy Elliot are over, he’d like to perform someday with the Royal Ballet and eventually become a choreographer doing shows in the West End. For now, he’s very happy to be appearing IN a megahit show in the West End.
Credit: Photo by Alistair Muir
Recently, in an interview with his hometown newspaper, the Wisbech Standard, it was revealed that Aaron had a heart defect when he was born. Says his mum, Karen, ““It was awful -- I definitely didn’t think he could do something like this. I wanted to wrap him in cotton wool. He just kept going for regular check-ups and I was told to treat him as normal.” Karen said he wanted to do something to show other children what could be done after suffering a handicap like that. So Aaron is donating his first paycheck to the Great Ormond Street Hospital where he was born and where his defect was successfully treated.
As to his debut, Aaron commented, “It was amazing doing the first performance”, he said. “I was really nervous before I went on, but when I got into it, it was so fun. The nerves all went and I got on with it. When everybody is clapping at the end it’s a really good feeling, because you feel like you have achieved something at the end.” Karen added, “It was very surreal seeing him on the stage. You know that’s your son up there but you still can’t take it in. He was not Aaron, he was being Billy. He spoke in a Geordie accent. On his first night he got three standing ovations -- I just thought ‘Wow -- that’s my son’.”
On September 1, 2010, Aaron and Connor Kelly (Michael) appeared on Britain TV’s Michael Ball Show. Here’s some video of that appearance:
Credit: Video by qsaco1
Aaron’s dream of becoming Billy has now come true and he’ll be be wowing not only his mum, but London theatre audiences for many performances to come.
Credit: Photo by Alistair Muir
For More Information on Aaron Watson visit:
Billy Elliot the Forum, Friends of Billy Elliot
___________________________________________________
Rhys Yeomans
When he debuted on March 26, 2010, Rhys Yeomans (D.O.B. 2/23/2010) became the 22nd West End Billy and the 39th boy, world-wide, to play the role. Twelve year old Rhys is from Chadderton, a town in Oldham, Lancashire, England, after having been in training for the role for over a year. When he stepped on the stage of the Victoria Palace Theatre that first time, he became the youngest boy to play the title role in London. It was the culmination of 23 months of training for the part.
Rhys began dance classes at the age of nine, though his mom Joanne says Rhys displayed a desire to perform from a very early age. “He has been dancing and singing since he was two,” she said. “He’s never been into football, although he likes it, so I thought we should channel his passion into something he loves doing.”
In early 2007, the channelling of his energy toward performing was sated by his joining the StageCoach Theatre Arts program, at New Bridge School, Oldham. The Stagecoach curriculum centers on the three main disciplines of the performing arts: Drama, Dance and Singing. The program’s faculty features experienced teachers with professional backgrounds as performers, choreographers, directors and musicians. Rhys took classes there every Saturday.
When he initially auditioned for Billy Elliot, he was praised for his singing abilities, but was told to improve his dancing. So Rhys enrolled at the Centrepointe Dance School in Denton, Manchester where he immediately began to improve. If Centrepointe sounds familiar to some readers, that may be because another student from that school had a very successful career at VPT himself, former Billy Matthew Koon. Centrepointe was founded by Caroline Wright, who is a Royal Ballet School graduate and whom Rhys gives high praise for developing his dance skills.
In May of 2008 he tried out again for BETM. This time he was asked to join the “Billy School” which BETM runs in Leeds and where potential Billys are involved for up to two years in the intense training that it takes to be Billy. In September, 2009, Rhys learned that he would definitely be playing Billy in the West End. He then spent the next six months preparing for his debut.
In an interview with the London Times, Rhys was asked what his favorite part of the show was. “My favourite scene is when Billy goes to his big audition,” he says excitedly. “It all goes a bit wrong and he ends up punching another boy. I like it because the audience think he hasn’t got the part, but he has. You get loads of laughs but you also get to see Billy really dancing.”
In December of 2009, the City of Durham, England staked its claim to lead the country in culture and the arts, by submitting its bid to be the first UK City of Culture. The bid was sent on its way by a troupe of Durham schoolboys and Rhys Yeomans, star of Billy Elliot, the smash-hit West End musical set in County Durham.
On June 19, 2010, Rhys, Jake Pratt (Michael) and the Ballet Girls performed a specially choreographed combination version of two of the show’s biggest numbers, Expressing Yourself and the Finale, at the annual West End Live event in London.
This video captures their performance at West End Live:
Credit: Video by elizabethtoni
In his official BETM bio, Rhys says, “I have enjoyed every moment of my Billy Elliot training in London and I am really excited about my first performance on stage in front of a live audience! All reports are that he got his career off to a fine start with that flawless first performance. Now, as he gets more and more shows under his belt, he gets the chance, a couple of times a week, to channel his excitement into two hours and 50 minutes of doing what his mom says he likes to do best -- performing.
For more information on Rhys Yeomans visit:
Billy Elliot the Forum, Friends of Billy Elliot
___________________________________________________________________
On Monday, March 8, 2010, the then four West End Billys were invited to 10 Downing Street in London. They were taken on a tour and then met with Prime Minister Gordan Brown.
____________________________________________________
In what turned out to be a busy week for the Billys, on March 11, 2010 Dean, Fox and Tom appeared on UK television - ITV’s Alan Titchmarsh Show. Here’s some video footage from that appearance in which a customized version of “Electricity” showcases the dancing strengths of the three boys:
Credit: Video by MrWestendboy
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
On March 31, 2010, a commemoration of the very first performance of Billy Elliot the Musical took place at the Victoria Palace Theatre. On that night, Stephen Daldry (Director), Lee Hall (Book and Lyrics), and Sir Elton John (Musical Score) each spoke briefly about the show before the performance began. After a superb show, during which Tom Holland played Billy, the highlight of the evening was a special Finale, which was led by the three orginating Billys — James Lomas, George Maguire and Liam Mower — who were joined by 16 other past, present and future Billys, all of whom have played the role or will play it in the future.
Here’s some video footage of the festivities at the Victoria Palace Theatre celebrating Billy’s 5th anniversay:
Credit: Video by WestEndTheatre
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The Victoria Palace Theatre: Home of Billy Elliot the Musical - London
_____________________________________
In other articles in the Billy Elliot the Musical section of this blog, see profiles of all the other Billys currently performing the role world-wide. The boys playing Billy in New York are profiled in Meet the Billys -- Broadway: Billy Elliot the Musical. Profiles of those playing the role in Chicago can be found in Meet the Billys -- 1st North American Tour: Billy Elliot the Musical . Appearing in the first non-English version of the show in Korea, profiles of the four boys who will be starring as Billy beginning in August, 2010 can be found at Meet the Billys -- Korea: Billy Elliot the Musical. There are also profiles of Billys of the recent past, who have left the show since September, 2009, in Meet the Billys -- Profiles Archive: Billy Elliot the Musical.
Note: If you have found these profiles enjoyable to read and/or useful, your comments (below) would be very appreciated.
__________________________________________________________
Get your tickets for Billy Elliot the Musical at :
Wanted (1994) Short film review: 
Review of the coming of age classic book Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon . Audio review of the book is included in the article.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Gary M, Gary M. Gary M said: Heard about the new Billy in Billy Elliot the Musical – West End? Learn about him: http://bit.ly/6VPsIV [...]
Saturday 28th of November – Victoria Palace Theater in London – 14.30 pm – My first attendance of Billy Elliot the Musical.
I wanted to do this ever since I first discover the musical back in 2006 – then I wrote a post to introduce it, hoping that someday I would be able to see it . Since that date I have watched hundreds of videos about the musical at YouTube and similar sites – but you know as much as one reads about it , as many times one listens to the Billy Elliot Original Cast Recording or watch clips on the Internet – being there at the Victoria Palace Theater in London…nothing really can prepare you enough for that magical experience . Many people told me that its a musical that can make you cry and laugh – but to be there in the audience watching the show and being totally captured by the emotions …I just could not imagine what words can be used to describe that.
On that date Tom Holland was playing the role the Billy – he did such an amazing job. And not just him – all the actors were so talented ! And the ballet …before learning about the musicale I did not know much about it. But seeing it there – not only Tom , but also the older ballet dancers – its an unforgettable experience.
The musicale sends a wonderful message – that one has to be himself /herself and believe that a dream can be achieved . Seeing the sparkles in the eyes of the children in the audience after the show , and hearing they commentaries about how great it was and how they want to find out more about the ballet …you know such an inspiration …I just think that its a wonderful, wonderful thing.
Glad you finally got to see this amazing production. I saw Trent Kowalik do the show in New York… breathtaking! The memory of the production will be with me all my life.
I've had the musical and have seen it at London few months ago. I am not a poet and can't express my thoughts as colourful as you've done before me, so I'll be short.
All I can say in few words is that nothing can match the real experience from seeing it there at the theatre; being inside! Billy Elliot is one remarkable musical and a true masterpiece.
I've had the musical and have seen it at London few months ago. I am not a poet and can't express my thoughts as colourful as you've done before me, so I'll be short.
All I can say in few words is that nothing can match the real experience from seeing it there at the theatre; being inside! Billy Elliot is one remarkable musical and a true masterpiece.
What an amazing article. I really enjoyed reading it. Have seen the show in London, 14 times to date and I am much in love with it. Best show ever! And that is thanks to all these extremely talented youngsters in the cast. It is a joy to watch the show and because it brings so many different kinds of emotion to the audience you forget that they are acting. It is brought so lively and true. Very well done boys!
I have made a fan page for Fox Jackson-Keen on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=990824556...
[...] currently performing the role world-wide. The boys playing Billy in the UK are profiled in Billy Elliot the Musical: Meet the Billys — London’s West End. Profiles of those who will be playing the role in Chicago beginning in March, 2010, can be found [...]
[...] the Musical: Meet the Billys — Broadway. The boys playing Billy in the UK are profiled in Billy Elliot the Musical: Meet the Billys — London’s West End. There are also profiles of Billys of the recent past, who have left the show since September, [...]
I've seen Billy Elliot many times. I really enjoyed the concert. Last year I got a cheap ticket and I went, I really had a great time there. Recently I got my ticket from the same place to see it againSo I'll be analyzing as well as enjoying the show.
[...] Excerpt from: Billy Elliot the Musical: Meet the Billys – London's West End … [...]
[...] Meet the Billys: Tommy Batchelor and Tom Holland Submitted by porschesrule on October 18, 2009 – 12:01 amView commentsComments Author’s Note: As of December 1, 2009, the most current profile for Tommy Batchelor can be found in the new article “Billy Elliot the Musical: Meet the Billys — Chicago“. The most current profile for Tom Holland can be found in the new article “Billy Elliot the Musical: Meet the Billys — London’s West End“. [...]
[...] 1, 2009, the most current profile for Fox Jackson-Keen can be found in the new article “Billy Elliot the Musical: Meet the Billys — London’s West End“. The most current profile for Trent Kowalik can be found in the new article “Billy [...]
GREAT article!!
Thanks for the link to the latest performance on March 11: had not seen that before. And the pic with the PM at Downing Street 10.
Billy's the best musical EVER!! Seen it 11 x in London and 10 x on Broadway.
I went to see my nephew rhys yeomans debut of his role as billy elliot on friday 26 march 2010,and was amazed and mesmerised by his performance,although i may be bias as hes a family member,,i loved his performance and i am so proud as he was proffessional,relaxed and effortless as the role of billy and all his hard work as finally paid off.so WELL DONE and CONGRATULATIONS! you were awesome rhys and we love you sooo much love from aunty gina,dannika and taylor,your a star!!xxxxxxxxxx
Thanks, Tom, for your comment. Glad the article brought you some enjoyment.
Thank you, Gina, for your comments. I'm always trying to provide the most up-to-date information on the Billys in these profiles. As a family member, if there's any information you'd care to share about Rhys that you think would enhance his profile, especially pictures/videos, please forward them to me and I'll be happy to include them here. The sole purpose of these profiles is to bring before the readers the wonderful talents these young actors bring to the stage — and the marvelous support from their families they all receive in order to achieve their dreams. Emails may be send to editor@theskykid.com
Thanks. With so many changes it is wonderful to have a site thats everyone informed.Richard
Richard,
I'm glad you enjoyed reading the articles. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. It is much appreciated.
Richard,
I'm glad you enjoyed reading the articles. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. It is much appreciated.
Some exclusive content coming in soon ! Than you for sticking around we hope to exceed any expectations you may have had about the content of this blog especially with regards to BETM.
Seen Billy Elliot twice now
6th October 09- Fox Jackson Keen and Jake Pratt
18th February 10- Ollie Gardner and George Maycock
17 June 10- ?
I saw Aaron Watson as billy elliot. He was amazing. Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo tallented. I actually started dancing when I was 18 months. BTW This comment is posted by the real Paris Jackson. MJ's daughter. Seriously!
Thanks for your comment. Everything I'm reading about Aaron is that he's an amazing performer and just keeps getting better and better as he grows into the role. In fact, right now all four Billys in the West End appear to really be at the top of their games. You can go to the Victoria Palace for any performance and see a mindboggling young man portraying Billy supported by a superb support cast.
I have seen Billy Elliot thrice. The first time in Australia, second in London with Aaron Watson and third with Dean Charles Chapman. I have to say they were ALL equally amazing in their different ways.
I'm very appreciative of your comment, clubtw. In another article on this site called “Where Do All the Billys Come From?”, I've gotten into why no matter what Billy you see, in any production of the show worldwide, they are universally excellent. The key is first identifying the potential talent and then providing training that is unmatched in the theatre world. Is the portrayal of each Billy a little different? Absolutely. They bring their own personalities and strengths to the show. But there is no doubt that when you leave the theatre, no matter which Billy you've seen, your reaction is going to be a resounding “WOW” as to what you've just witnessed. Glad you enjoyed the show and hopefully this article. Thanks again.