March 2015 Reviews - London

[kport]

It is a real treat to see those photos! It is also nice to see Redmand and Zak back, to support their mates.

It's hard to believe that Ellliott is just 11, and leaving at the age most Billy's just begin. A real talent.

Indeed it is - yet I recall one 'Got to Dance' judge expressing shock to learn that Elliott could perform such body lifts with his 10 year old partner - at the age of 8. I think Elliott must possess a natural capacity to be just 'a little ahead', just 'a little sooner', just 'a little more on point' - and I think we are going to hear some very wonderful things about his career. To have his poise and his confidence alone, at that age, is astonishing beyond measure!

[jmh2014]

Thanks to Billy Whizz for the photos.

[Bridget40]

Saturday evening 7th March.... (Elliot and Zach's last show.)

The show was introduced by the company manager David Massey who informed us of how much the company appreciates the fans who view the show multiple times. This was nice to hear, and is contrary to what I've read from a few posters on the forum! It was also nice to hear him praise the ballet girls as much as he did, they deserve it. He also told the audience about Elliot being the youngest Billy ever, and I must admit that I was surprised to hear that he is still only eleven, which might make him the youngest Billy ever to finish his run, as well as start it? Elliot is a tall boy for his age, and maybe that's why Saturday was his last show, or maybe after two years he has had enough. Who knows......

There was a very good atmosphere in The VPT before the show, and an emotional one during, and after. It was a bit of a shame that Deka, Gillian and Mark john Richardson (Scottish dancer) were not there to see the two boys off, the show misses them when they are not present. Their alternates all did a good job though, especially David Bardsley who's very different Jackie is one I really enjoy.

Elliot and Zach both come across as unflappable performers on stage, in fact Mr Massey made a comment about how before 'The Billy live show' everyone was very nervous, everyone except Elliot and Zach that is. For me, it seemed the same way on Saturday night. While the emotions ran high off stage, the two boys performed as if it was a normal show. There were a few differences...... Zach seeming to give Elliot a hearty punch on the forehead during the boxing scene, and then smothering his face in lipstick before Expressing yourself, and I also thought that Elliot gave it some extra wellie during the finale, but other than that they were their usual selves. Although I'm sure they must have felt extra emotions inside, they did not let it show, there were no tears, and it surprises me to see other people suggest otherwise. Perhaps their own emotions were getting the better of them? Any emotion Elliot showed was him acting the part of Billy... Something he does very well, and very consistently very time I've seen him. He was, as always very professional, as was the brilliant Zach. They were.....superb, and they both seemed to thoroughly enjoy their last performance, and they also both deserve the extra support they got on the night.

Well done boys, and best of luck in your future endeavors.

[Billyfan8905]

Although I'm sure they must have felt extra emotions inside, they did not let it show, there were no tears, and it surprises me to see other people suggest otherwise. Perhaps their own emotions were getting the better of them?

I don't know Bridget40, sitting on the second row reveals a lot details... Anyway, at least we agree that they totally deserved the long ovations.

[dancingboy]

It's ELLIOTT, Bridget, not ELIOT.

[jtsw1]

Thank you for that slightly different perspective, Bridget. Different seats, different people, different perspectives.

The "two years is enough/the maximum for the company"-thought occured to me, too. It hasn't been two years, though, only 20 months. So Dean Chapman remains the only Billy with a two-year-run. I can think of some other reasons for leaving, having grown "too tall" being the most unlikely one (four months more or less wouldn't have don any "harm"). But speculating doesn't help anyone.

[Bridget40]

I don't know Bridget40, sitting on the second row reveals a lot details... Anyway, at least we agree that they totally deserved the long ovations.

We were in row c, so only one row back from yourself. It was a great night though, and they certainly did deserve those ovations.

Thank you for that slightly different perspective, Bridget. Different seats, different people, different perspectives.

True Andy..... I just thought that ELLIOTT (Thanks dancingboy ) and Zach were the coolest cats in the whole theatre. They gave a very calm and composed performance. At no point did it look as if they were going to lose control of their emotions. Remarkable considering the circumstances!

The "two years is enough/the maximum for the company"-thought occured to me, too. It hasn't been two years, though, only 20 months. So Dean Chapman remains the only Billy with a two-year-run. I can think of some other reasons for leaving, having grown "too tall" being the most unlikely one (four months more or less wouldn't have don any "harm"). But speculating doesn't help anyone.

When I said two years I was including the time he would have spent in training. As I said though, who knows why his run has ended. I know that the company does have restrictions on the height of Billy's, or maybe Elliott has something else lined up that he wants to do?

[ERinVA]

Thanks for all the excellent reviews, everyone. I was busy yesterday, and so have just gotten the chance to read them all this morning. It sounds like Saturday evening's show was fabulous!

[Dancer]

Thanks for the great photos, Billy Whiz - brilliant as always and much appreciated . And thanks to all of you who reviewed Saturday night's show!

[jmh2014]

A few reflections on Saturday night.

Having not been to a leavers show before, I'd been told by a regular on Thursday that it would be an emotional occasion.

It's difficult to put into words just how emotional it was. Only those who have been through the same experience, I believe, can understand.

I was lucky enough to see Elliott and Zach perform together twice - their last two shows.

First BETM is a memorable occasion. First leavers show is an unforgettable experience.