Tour News: Billy Elliot

11-02-26

One of Britain’s most celebrated modern musicals is coming home.

Billy Elliot the Musical will embark on a major UK tour in 2026 before returning to the West End for the first time in over a decade, it has been announced today by Universal Theatrical Group and Working Title Films.

The original award-winning production will open at Sunderland Empire from 4–28 November 2026, before heading to Palace Theatre Manchester (2 December 2026 – 9 January 2027) and Edinburgh Playhouse (19 January – 6 February 2027).

Following the tour dates, the production will return to London for a strictly limited West End season at the Adelphi Theatre from 12 February – 31 July 2027.  Tickets for Sunderland, Manchester, Edinburgh and London go on sale on 9 March 2026 at 10.00am. Further touring venues and casting are to be announced.

With music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, direction by Stephen Daldry and choreography by Peter Darling, Billy Elliot the Musical remains one of the defining British stage productions of the 21st century. Elton John and Stephen Daldry said: “Creating Billy Elliot the Musical was one of the most joyous and inspiring moments of our careers, so to bring the show back for a UK tour and a season in the West End for the first time in over a decade is both incredibly emotional and exciting. It’s bold, it’s British, it’s full of heart and the story feels more relevant than ever. We can’t wait for a whole new generation to experience it.”

Based on the much-loved film, the story is set in a northern mining town during the 1984–85 miners’ strike. It follows a young boy who swaps boxing gloves for ballet shoes, discovering an unexpected passion for dance that challenges expectations and transforms not only his own future, but that of his family and community.

Since its original premiere, Billy Elliot the Musical has been seen by more than 12 million people worldwide across five continents and has collected over 80 major awards internationally, including ten Tony Awards and five Olivier Awards. In 2006, Liam Mower, James Lomas and George Maguire became the youngest-ever winners of the Olivier Award for Best Actor when they shared the title role. To date, more than 125 young performers have played Billy around the world.

The returning production reunites the original creative team from the film and stage version, with scenic design by Ian MacNeil, costume design by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher, sound design by Paul Arditti and musical supervision and orchestrations by Martin Koch. Tour direction is by Simon Pollard, with associate choreography by Jeroen Luiten.

The announcement marks a significant moment for British musical theatre. More than ten years after its West End closure, Billy Elliot will once again take centre stage in London, alongside a nationwide tour that brings the story back to the regions that inspired it. For many, it remains one of the most powerful portrayals of working-class Britain ever staged, pairing intimate storytelling with an anthemic score and some of the most demanding choreography in contemporary musical theatre. Further casting and additional tour dates will be revealed soon.

Get tickets from the official site HERE