Harrison
Thomas Moore (debut)
Macy
Another night, another Michael! Thomas is from Doncaster and although the programme doesn't give his age I would say no more than eleven. Congratulations are due on a most successful debut. It is wonderful to see the level of support from all the other cast when a child performer joins the 'family.' This Michael added his own touches to the role and performed with lots of spirit. Thomas seemed to experience difficulty in getting into his tutu in the Winter scene but whether this was part of his characterisation or an actual tussle with the costume I wouldn't like to say. I was a little disappointed that he was not introduced to the audience on his First Night as it is customary to do so. He will add a lot to the Show I am sure.
There were a lot of alternates in the adult cast which was however up to full numerical strength
No doubt some of the cast are still on their summer break. There were scenes where I did not think the adults gelled terribly well but I am sure it must be confusing to switch from playing one role to another ie From Dad to George, two very different characters. I noticed that although Barnaby was on stage in many scenes he did not dance Older Billy in the aerial scene. Having said that the audience definitely gelled! The House was about three quarters full and the audience were quite magnificent with roars of laughter and prolonged applause at many points during the evening. There were a couple of incidents in the Finale however. Thomas slipped and fell as he turned to move back for his lift prior to the curtain. Well done to him for recovering and carrying on and it was good to see that he seemed none the worse when he left the theatre. Then, approaching the final final cutain Harrison appeared, a solitary figure on stage with no shoes on just socks 
. There was no forward roll just a walk forward beckoning the cast on to take their bows. Maybe the stage had become slippery? No doubt it will have been explained in the show report. I am increasingly intrigued by Harrison's interpretation of Billy Elliot. He experiences the most intense emotions. His Billy seems like a volcano with his internal pressures rising and rising until he explodes. The negative reactions of his family to his ambition to become a ballet dancer infuriate him to such an extent that he erupts in the Angry Dance. You can almost feel his frustration and empathise with him when he hurls bricks at the police shields. Then he hurls himself around the stage. The same sort of frustration builds during the RBS audition scene. Posh Dad with his Thomas, the snobby,condescending audition panel and even the stage hand who takes his tape are all against him. Then the audition piece goes all wrong
. Harrison finally erupts in desperation with his street Electricity. Last night this was received with prolonged tumultuos applause and a standing ovation. He smiled ...........................and smiled. Each Billy is special and, although this is a cliche, Harrison is 'very ****ing special.'Another memorable evening, and I just caught my train
