Production archive
Billy Elliot the Musical
Feedback
From the CYTC creative team
Graham Brown (CYTC choreographer):
"The most memorable moment of the gala was the overwhelming feeling of being part of unique event which has been very close to so many peoples hearts for a very long time. And also, being made to feel so welcome and valued.
"The Billy Elliot experience for me became a very personal journey of understanding, commitment and self belief. The joy of working with a talented team of people with one common goal was priceless. And to share my knowledge and skills with a group of children which hopefully gave them an experience to remember forever."
Katy Markey (CYTC choregrapher):
"My most memorable moment of the BYT West End Gala Weekend was... So many to choose from so I have to pick 2!! The first is the moment that Nick Evans gave his first bit of direction to out CYTC performers and they were utterly inspired. The second is when 390 something young performers, plus the 4 West End 'Billys' filled the stage and auditorium and sang 'Electricity'. It still gives me shivers just thinking about it.
"What the Billy Elliot experience meant to me: I always imagined that the Billy Elliot experience would be wonderful for the performers and that they would treasure the memory of performing in the West End forever. However I never imagined just how much of an impact it would have on me and I feel honoured to have been a part of it. The story is touching and inspiring on its own, but add the fact that this was the first time BYT had been done, the fact that our performers were given the chance to work with the West End creative team and perform on the West End stage and the incredible talent with which these children and young adults brought it to life, it really has been one of, if not the, most rewarding project I have ever worked on and I will never forget a moment of it."
Michael James (CYTC musical director):
"My most memorable moment of the BYT West End Gala Weekend was when the curtain went up for the start of Act 1 and our entire company were absolutely motionless and maintained that frozen tableau until they began to sing. I knew then that they were totally focused and that they would deliver an intensely moving performance that would grip the audience and also give them, the performers, an experience that they would never forget.
"What the Billy Elliot experience meant to me: I felt it was an invaluable lesson for the cast to get direction from Nick, Chris and Lee and it was thrilling for them to perform on the Victoria Palace stage, but, more than anything, I had a feeling of overwhelming pride in what the cast had achieved through months of hard work and that they had definitely earned that most elusive of accolades: a West End standing ovation."
Michelle Newton (CYTC chaperone):
"My most memorable moment of the BYT West End Gala Weekend was watching all the kids faces as they watched and listened with intent to the London Director, Cheographer and M.D.
"What the Billy Elliot experience meant to me: it meant giving some of the most talented kids in the country a very rare and wonderful opportunity. The kids at City Youth loved every minute of the weekend and the run up to the event too, right from the first rehearsal of Billy Elliot. Seeing them actually perform so professionally at the Victoria Palace was an absolute treat. "
"Seeing them actually perform so professionally at the Victoria Palace was an absolute treat."
"It really has been one of, if not the, most rewarding project I have ever worked on and I will never forget a moment of it."