Billy Elliot soars to become one of Sunderland Empire's most popular shows
There’s still a week left of the musical’s run at the theatre, which began on April 6, but it’s already proving one of its most popular with sell-out nights and bumper ticket sales.
The show is on its first ever UK tour and has struck a chord with audiences with its tale of a young boy who dances his way to a new future amidst the backdrop of the Miners’ Strike which tore apart communities in East Durham.
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Hide AdThe four-week run at Sunderland Empire has been billed as ‘bringing Billy home’ as it’s the closest big theatre on the tour to the story’s setting of Easington Colliery.
Ben Phillips, general manager at Sunderland Empire, said: “We have been thrilled with the electric response to Billy Elliot the Musical from both patrons and reviewers. The production has struck a chord with so many people across the region and it has been truly wonderful to bring Billy home to the Sunderland Empire stage.”
Analysis of tickets sales show that visitors to the Sunderland Empire came from across the UK, as far afield as Cornwall and Aberdeen, along with 37% of bookers coming to the theatre for the first time.
Billy Elliot the Musical is brought to life by the multiple award-winning creative team behind the hit film including writer Lee Hall, director Stephen Daldry, and choreographer, Peter Darling, joined by Elton John who composed the show’s score.
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Hide AdEarlier this month, the West End production of Billy Elliot, which had run for 11 years, took its final curtain call, featuring an emotional special performance by Easington Colliery Band.
Tickets still remain for the final performances of Billy Elliot at Sunderland Empire, which runs until Saturday, April 30.
They are available in person at the Box Office on High Street West, from the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 3022 or online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland