Billy Elliot the Forum

Which I very much doubt. Bringing in Americans to play Billy is one thing, but importing Americans to be in the ensemble is an entirely different matter.

James Butcher already plays alternate Older Billy and I haven't heard that he is leaving.

ERinVA wrote:Which I very much doubt. Bringing in Americans to play Billy is one thing, but importing Americans to be in the ensemble is an entirely different matter.

While I take your point (and it works the other way, too - UK thespians coming to perform on Broadway have to jump hurdles), Kevin Spacey (an American who has almost singularly resuscitated The Old Vic) may have a view (and a pretty convincing voice) on the matter.

The simple truth is that there is a quid-pro-quo 'understanding' between US and UK Equity - and the subject of getting a short term work permit is quite straightforward, if the union restrictions are satisfied. The present US cast will have had to apply for visas on tour in Canada - slightly different requirements, as they are on a brief tour, are not resident, are employed by a foreign entity, and their employment does not impinge upon Canadian actors seeking employment. But there is no reason why an ensemble cast member could not perform in the West End, if all requirements were met, just as for a UK actor working on Broadway.

If there was no UK actor/dancer to fill the bill, then perhaps, but that is not the case. Yes, there are actors that regularly work on both sides of the Atlantic, but I would say that most of them are a bit higher profile than average. Of course, if you can exercise your "pull," maybe it will happen.

There is absolutely no reason whatsoever to look for anyone else to play principal Older Billy. James Butcher does a fantastic job. In recent times I have actually seen him perform more often than Barnaby which, hopefully, suggests he is to take over the role.

Pat

Go home Billy wrote:

patc wrote:There is absolutely no reason whatsoever to look for anyone else to play principal Older Billy. James Butcher does a fantastic job.

Agreed Pat, but if James takes over the main role then a new alternate will be needed.

There are enough 'resting' actors and dancers over here so there should be no necessity to import someone from overseas.

......except several very talented Billys.......

The issue isn't about Billys. It's about Older Billys.

Indeed so. My apologies for trying to inject some humour.