2020 - Australian Tour Reviews (Melbourne)

[Sheffan]

Good article and review of the show in Melbourne:

https://tothotornot.com/billy-elliot-mu ... 34dnjOmdUQ

Oscar Mulcahy, who plays Michael in my performance (there are four children rotating in each main child’s part), is cheeky, fun and brings a great pizzazz and energy in his numbers with Billy. It’s clear that the two boys love being on stage together and you can’t help but be drawn into their circle of fun. Which brings me to River Mardesic, playing the title role in my show. Wow! It must be so difficult to cast a child who is the emotional core of a whole story and who is able to act, sing and dance (as well as an adult).

[Sheffan]

https://tagg.com.au/billy-elliot-review ... h11upMTqpM

It is a daunting task for producers when casting a lead character of a young boy who’s onstage for the majority of the show, acting, singing and dancing. Such a huge responsibility weighing on such small shoulders. Yet, on the night I saw the show, the role of Billy Elliot wasn’t just played by River Mardesic, he was Billy Elliot. It was a stunning performance for an actor of any age. His acting was real, hitting all the right notes of humour and pathos and, all importantly, he made you care for his character. Really care. On top of that, he sang well and danced with all the style and ease of a young Astaire. A truly remarkable performance from one so young. He is ably assisted by Oscar Milcahy playing his funny and lovable buddy, Michael, and Ella Tebbutt as his dancing school partner, Debbie. These three youngsters are destined to have fruitful careers in the theatre, should they so wish, and persevere.

[Sheffan]

Opening night saw River Mardesic in the title role, one which he shares with Omar Abiad, Wade Neilsen, and Jamie Rogers. A huge undertaking for any dancer, 11-year-old River tapped, shimmied, and fouettéd with the ease and skill of someone twice his age.”Angry Dance,” “Electricity,” and the Dream Ballet were awe-inspiring. River’s presence was absolutely magnetising, and he has an incredibly bright future ahead of him.

https://aussietheatre.com.au/features/b ... nt-theatre

[Gavroche]

Billy Elliot
Regent Theatre
4.5 stars
Billy Elliot was groundbreaking when it opened here 11 years ago but it’s still kicking as a heavyweight masterpiece of musical theatre.
It may not be a musical that froths with glamour but it is full to bursting with heart, authenticity and integrity. This is how to do a touring production. It never looks cheap or scaled down.
The intricacy of this brilliant piece is respected in every scene and it has so much to give to contemporary audiences. Even though it’s set in the turmoil of mid-1980s Britain, it speaks about the power of a community faced with losing their livelihood and finding strength through solidarity.

But it’s the young boy, Billy, who unwittingly becomes their beacon of hope because of his sheer talent and determination to just be himself.
Melbourne's River Mardesic takes the role on opening night and he’s an incredible discovery. At only 11, he conquers this role in every way. As an actor he has the disgruntled edge needed to play Billy who’s struggling to find his place in the world and as a dancer he is outstanding.

Poised, self-assured and endearing, he is rightly the star of the show.
But the ensemble here is equally strong and bravo for mastering the accents.

It’s lovely to see Vivien Davies, who was Debra Byrne’s swing in Les Miserables years ago, playing Grandma with northern England style sweetness.
Lisa Sontag is great as Mrs Wilkinson, Billy’s dance teacher, Justin Smith is both sensitive and torn as Billy’s dad, Ella Tebbutt is a treat as Debbie and Oscar Mulcahy brings down the house as Michael.
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There is some blasphemy but the show’s themes also have a lot to teach children – to chase your dreams, honour yourself and the people who are always there for you.

It is guaranteed to touch the hardest of hearts in a deeply rewarding, entertaining theatrical experience, carried all the way through by Elton John’s masterful score.

From Herald Sun

[Gavroche]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi_7Xvw ... 7aJQHIzEF0

[porschesrule]

Here's a review of the Tour production in Melbourne by Noise11, a music review website:

http://www.noise11.com/news/billy-ellio ... e-20200223

[andrewcraig]

Here is a review by The Age

https://www.theage.com.au/culture/music ... 543h2.html

[Sheffan]

https://simonparrismaninchair.com/2020/ ... _CkwV8vOLc

Director Stephen Daldry has conceived a free-flowing spectacle that makes clever use of Ian Macneil’s abstract set design. The fully constructed settings blend aspects of realism in a collage-like combination, in which differing locations can be portrayed by the same pieces of set. Additional pieces of scenery roll on and off with ease, sometimes even manipulated by the cast in character.

The unique work of choreographer Peter Darling may be the most impressive aspect of all, creating a distinct vocabulary of dance and contributing mightily to the storytelling at the heart of the show. Each number unfolds in ways that are as smartly surprising as they are endlessly entertaining.

[Sheffan]

https://www.beat.com.au/review-billy-el ... -pure-joy/

If you’re comfortable hearing folk as young as ten curse like drunken sailors, you will have a great time here. Special mentions need to be given to Michael (Oscar Mulcahy), Billy’s flamboyant best friend who provides one of the standout musical numbers of the night. Mrs Wilkinsons’ daughter Debbie (Ella Tebbutt) is also a highlight, giving us the show’s best one-liners and just being a natural bad-ass with no filter.

[Sheffan]

https://mypoppet.com.au/living/billy-el ... ne-review/

The whole cast is incredibly talented, but River Mardesic as Billy, stole the show with his incredible breadth of dancing talent. Both his ballet and tap performances were faultless and full of passion. He can also sing beautifully and pull off a passable accent. This kid is going places