News
Billy Youth Theatre
West End Gala
A weekend we'll never forget!
posted 19 July 2010
CYTC were one of 14 groups from across the UK lucky enough to be chosen to take part in the BYT West End Gala held at the home of Billy Elliot, the Victoria Palace.
On Saturday 17 July, our Billy cast had the incredible opportunity to work with the Creative Team of Billy Elliot, Nick Evans, Chris Hatt and Lee Proud – our young performers responded and listened, rising to the occasion, showing great professionalism and making us extremely proud.
We had a picnic in St James' Park, which was really fun, where Lawrence Collins was presented with the President's Cup for his commitment and excellent attitude throughout Billy Elliot rehearsals and performance.
Still buzzing after the excitement and inspiration of Saturday, we arrived bright and early Sunday morning at the Victoria Palace only to find out more exciting news, that we would be using the actual Billy cast's dressing rooms, making the experience even more special.
We had been given the honour of opening the West End Gala and all of our 53 performers took up their places behind the tabs to perform "The Stars Look Down" which was received with rapturous applause from the sold out audience. This was followed by "Shine" which again went down a storm, a special mention to Emilia Tzilios who played Mrs Wilkinson. Emilia owned the stage and received huge acclamation holding the applause for the perfect time. We also performed the Soup Kitchen scene with Jake Bone, our Billy for that scene, receiving praise from Nick Evans the director on the stairs backstage.
For the finale both Joe Wolstenholme and Jake Bone, our wonderful Billys, joined the other Billys on the stage, together with the four London Billys to sing "Electricity" which ended with the entire cast of BYT West End Gala filling the aisles in the auditorium to sing, receiving a WEST END STANDING OVATION. Sensational! A very special moment.
For two of our cast, Leah Wolstenholme and Raefn Webber, the weekend brought back wonderful memories as they have both been part of the London cast previously and it was great for them to relive the experience.
To finish with each group was presented with an award by Stephen Daldry and Lee Hall.
What a thrilling weekend! The whole BYT experience has given us all at CYTC memories to treasure forever.
See also
Daily Mail cutting (Baz Bambigoye's column)
'Regional Billy Elliots descend on Victoria Palace' on www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk
See official photos of the gala evening at www.richard-davenport.co.uk 
[under 'Theatre', then 'Billy Elliot Youth Gala - Victoria Palace Theatre'].