Saturday 28th March (Evening show) Matteo's final performance...........
I'm sure that I was not the only member of this forum to get a shock upon reading the initial posts about last nights show being Matteo's final performance as Billy Elliot. It was not something that I was expecting for some time, and I also can't understand how they kept it so hush hush? Why no notice other than a Facebook post just an hour and a half before the show?
It's at times like last night that I feel lucky to work so close to The VPT, because if I did not, I would not have got the opportunity to see the elusive Matteo Zecca one last time. I was supposed to meet my husband for dinner straight after work, and as much as I love him..... He got stood up.
I left work at 7.14 and was lucky enough to get a cab straight away because I got to my seat just as Mr Massey was walking on stage. What followed was something very special...............
Mr Massey thanked Matteo's parents for "Loaning us your brilliant Son," and then went on to explain that he had asked the other child cast members before the show to describe Matteo in one word. "Funny, kind, polite, amazing, best bud" were some of the adjectives that I can remember. It was a nice touch I thought.
When Matteo walked out on to the stage for the first time last night, he got a big cheer, as seems to be the custom for Billy's on their leaving nights. From that moment Matteo threw himself into his performance as if the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. I have seen Matteo before, and always really loved his Billy, but I had never seen him up so close, and having done so last night, I realise what an amazing little actor he his. First off, I love his Geordie accent, it's not over the top, it's just right. Also the way he delivers his lines, the timing of them is so unique, and very, very effective. For me, getting Billy's emotions right is just as important as getting his dancing right, and Matteo is a very emotional Billy. Perfect! His facial expressions are fantastic to watch, very expressive at the right times, and very funny at others. During 'Expressing yourself' he seemed to be doing his best to make Tomi lose control and start giggling. I suspect that the two might well be good friends off stage, because on it, they seem to have a lot of rapport. Matteo just has so many nuances to his Billy that make him so unique, I would be here all day if I had to type them all out.
We are supposed to believe that Billy is a somewhat unhappy boy, given his circumstances, and that when he finds dance, he finds something that makes him truly happy. Watching Matteo dance last night, happiness is what shone off of him. That huge smile of his really does light the place up, and because of this, and his other skills, he really draws the audience in, and makes them not only care for Billy, but root for him also.
Solidarity was amazing, he is the only Billy that really gets that "Ma Mams dead" line spot on. Spins, pirouettes and a huge round of applause to end it.
Born to boogie was great fun, perfect skipping and a great somersault off of the piano into the bargain.
Angry dance.... The last time I saw Matteo perform this I found him to be far too timid. Not last night though, he was as angry as angry gets, and the language...........
Dream ballet was emotional as always, I've never heard so much clapping during that dance, or after.
Electricity really was something special for me. It was if Matteo thought to himself.... "This is the last time I'm going to do this, so bollocks to it, I'm going to really go for it." In fact, that last sentiment could apply to his whole performance. He did go for it, and it was beautiful. A standing ovation followed, one that seemed to go on, and on, and on, and Deka just let it.
Matteo was on the home straight after that, and the rest of his performance was as perfect as what went before it. All the emotions in the right place, and then more for good measure. There was a partial name change in the closing scene. Matteo after kissing Tomi said...... "See ya Tomi." Tomi himself stuck to the script though. I guess the one that is staying has to do what he's told, or else.
Tomi has proved to be as elusive to me as Matteo. I think I've only seen him twice before. I love the way he camps it up, I thought he was brilliant last night.
I cannot remember the last time I saw a child have as much fun as Matteo did last night during the finale. He really let himself go, and it was very infectious. That massive grin was evident throughout, and he allowed himself to change a few things. For example........ Usually Deka will quite often give whatever Billy is on a two handed slap around the chops. Last night it was Deka that got the slap from Matteo, and by the sound of it, he was not expecting it.
It was Deka that closed proceedings last night. I love the way they involve small boy in encouraging the audience to vote for Billy in the Olivier awards. Very clever, and amusing! Deka then literally picked Matteo up off of his feet, carried him to the front of the stage
and bid an emotional farewell to the nights hero. What an asset that man is to this show! I was a tad emotional myself at this point, so I can't recall exactly what his words were, but he thanked Matteo, and told him what a great Billy he had been, and to always remember how special he is, whatever he does in the future. He then introduced Matteo to the crowd for one final time, and one last standing ovation.
It was the best, most enjoyable, most emotional Billy show I have seen in the time I have been attending The VPT. In fact, it has been a long, long time since I have enjoyed something that much on any West End stage. I wish that I had got to see more of Matteo, and I have no idea why his run has come to what I think is a premature end, but I hope he knows how much that audience loved him last night. I think he must..... It was a magical performance Matteo, truly magical.
