UNIVERSAL Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions have announced that Billy Elliot the Musical will come to Wales Millennium Centre from June 14 to July 16 as part of its first ever UK and Ireland tour.

Based on the highly successful film, the show is set in a mining town in the north of England against the background of the 1984/85 miners’ strike and follows Billy’s journey from boxing to ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.

Eric Fellner, producer, said, “Having recently celebrated 10 extraordinary years of Billy Elliot the Musical in London, we are delighted to have the opportunity to bring a new touring production of this inspiring show to fans across the UK and Ireland and the chance to delight new audiences along the way.”

Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, Billy Elliot the Musical has now been seen by over 10.5 million people across five continents and is the recipient of over 80 awards internationally, including 10 Tony Awards and five Olivier Awards.

In 2006, Liam Mower, James Lomas and George Maguire, the first three boys to play the title role, became the youngest performers ever to have won the Olivier Award for Best Actor with the show also picking up the Best Musical prize. In total, 89 boys have now played the iconic title role on stage worldwide.

Billy Elliot the Musical is brought to life by the multiple award-winning creative team behind the film including writer Lee Hall (book and lyrics), director Stephen Daldry and choreographer, Peter Darling, joined by Elton John who composed the show’s score. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, the associate director is Julian Webber, costume design is by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch.

Billy Elliot the Musical is presented by Universal Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions and is based on the Universal Pictures/Studio Canal film. The show is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jon Finn and Sally Greene. Angela Morrison and David Furnish are executive producers.

To book tickets or for more information visit wmc.org.uk or call 029 2063 6464.