Billy Elliot the Forum

Jochem Trok will play Michael in the 2nd cast of BETM in The Netherlands.

http://www.stage-entertainment.nl/shows ... t/michael/

Jochem debuts tonight as Michael, per the BETMNL Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/BillyElliotNL/ ... =1&theater

I saw Jochem's performance on August 18. He did a great job!
I chose to use his initials for my nickname on this Forum

I can only compare to one performance I saw in London back in 2011. Then, the boy who played Michael made a really big impact. That boy put so much flair into it. I was curious if the Dutch Michael would do the same. And he did!

The role of Michael is quite special, I think. It's very refreshing to see a character who is a boy dressing up in girls' clothing. Jochem was very convincing in showing the fun Michael has in dressing up. He also did a very showbiz-like final pose to the audience at the end of Expressing Yourself, just before leaving the stage. Like a little diva

To be honest Jochem looks quite a bit like me when I was his age so it was like watching myself as a young boy again, being theatrical (I recognised some of the fun in that!). So that was a special treat for me to the whole show. I hope Jochem continues to use his talent for the stage in a way that gives him confidence and pleasure. I'm sure he has it in him.