The show will shutter after some 4,600 performances due to the theatre's previously announced refurbishment program. To date, it has been seen by more than 5.25 million people.
It has previously been announced that the first U.K and Ireland tour of the show will commence Feb. 2016 at Plymouth's Theatre Royal, when the touring and West End productions will be playing concurrently. Further dates in Sunderland, Bradford, Cardiff, Dublin, Edinburgh, Bristol, Manchester, Southampton and Birmingham have subsequently been announced, with the tour currently booking to May 2017. The first Japanese language production will also open at the Akasaka ACT Theater in Tokyo in 2017.
In a press statement, Eric Fellner, Producer and Co-Chairman, Working Title Films,who co-produced the stage show based on their own film of the same name, commented, "After eleven incredible years at the Victoria Palace Theatre, I join my fellow producers in expressing our gratitude to absolutely everyone involved in making the show the enormous success it has become. It has been a privilege to witness Billy Elliot's journey so far from producing the film in 1999 to the musical opening in London, Sydney, Melbourne, Broadway, Chicago, Seoul and Toronto amongst many other cities. I am delighted that Billy will continue his extraordinary journey when we begin our first U.K and Ireland tour next year and look forward to the first Japanese production opening in Tokyo in 2017. Billy Elliot the Musical is Working Title’s first theatre production and we could not be more delighted with how audiences in London and worldwide have embraced this young boy’s inspirational story."
The show's other lead co-producers are Universal Stage Productions and Old Vic Productions.
The Tony-winning Broadway version of the show ran 1,312 performances, from November 2008 to January 2012. In a press statement, the show's composer Elton John remarked, "I’ve said it before and it still remains true, Billy Elliot has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire life. The talented young performers who have become part of our Billy Elliot family have amazed me with their achievements from the very start. Each time I have revisited the show I have been moved by Billy’s heart-warming story and his determination to achieve his dreams. I am so delighted that new audiences around the country will now have the opportunity to experience this extraordinary piece of work."
Director Stephen Daldry added, "After eleven years and forty two London Billy Elliots, there are a huge number of people to whom we are enormously grateful, who have offered encouragement and support behind the scenes to our incredible child performers. From the mums and dads to the dance teachers and teachers of every kind who have helped them along the way, we want to say a massive thank you. The story of a miner’s son in the 80s who wanted to be a ballet dancer captured the imagination of audiences and critics alike and the dedication of everyone who has brought the show to life at the Victoria Palace Theatre and beyond has been exemplary. It has been a real privilege to have had the opportunity to retell Billy's story on stage with my fellow creative team – I genuinely could not be more proud. I am really looking forward to our next chapter when we introduce the show to new audiences around the country and beyond."
To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 248 5000 or visit billyelliotthemusical.com for more details.
