Young stars dance their way into West End gala

The children, who are all studying at Stagecoach Oxford, were one of 14 groups selected to perform an excerpt from a version of smash hit Billy Elliot the Musical.

Elli Hurrell, 15, from Kennington, Angus Pinkerton, 11, from Cumnor, and Thomas Foster, 10, who lives at Harcourt Hill, North Hinksey, were all chosen to take part in the gala performance at the Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, on Sunday, July 18.

As well as the three soon-to-be West End stars, 100 pupils from the stage school will have be performing parts of the show at the Wycombe Swan in High Wycombe today.

Stagecoach Oxford principal Maya Sprigg said: “Natural talent is a great thing, but the West End team were after the whole package, and that takes a lot of work. These three are performing a short but poignant piece from the show and they are a very gifted bunch.

“We have all been dancing on cloud nine since we heard the news.”

The gala performance comes out of an initiative launched by the producers of Billy Elliot the Musical to celebrate its fifth anniversary in the West End.

Billy Youth Theatre was created in November to provide schools and youth groups with the chance to perform their own productions of the show.

Stagecoach Oxford will be among 115 groups which have been involved so far.

Angus, who plays Billy, said: “To be honest, when I first got the part of Billy, I was terrified.

“But with all the support of my fellow Stagecoachers and once I learnt the script, songs and dances, soon the Billy rehearsals really became the highlight of my week.”

Elli, who plays Billy’s mother, added: “I feel so privileged to be working with the top West End team.

“I know it sounds really cheesy, but it’s something I have dreamed of ever since I started singing years ago.”

Tickets for the Billy Elliot Youth Theatre Gala are on sale now at £15 each.

They can be bought by calling 0207 834 1317.