2020 - Australian Tour Reviews (Melbourne)

[Sheffan]

https://kiddiehood.com.au/blog/review-b ... melbourne/

Set Designer, Ian MacNeil has done an amazing job bringing the mines to life with dark gloomy stage props, but it’s the kids and Mrs Wilkinson (Billy’s Teacher) who bring the show to life. With outbursts of colour and passionate choreography, the musical is uplifting to watch.

[Sheffan]

https://theblurb.com.au/wp/billy-elliot ... tre-review

Billy Elliot The Musical stands head and shoulders above most others of its genre. It is something mighty, mighty special that deserves to be seen again and again. It is that good because it stirs the soul and touches the heart. Please do not miss this, the very finest of productions, which is playing at the Regent Theatre until 19th April, 2020. Just be aware that given the subject matter and the passions ignited there is some strong language in the show.

[andrewcraig]

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

Review: ‘Billy Elliot The Musical’ is a pirouette of pure joy

[Sheffan]

https://www.impulsegamer.com/billy-elli ... 3QQ45nfa8A


The role of Billy Elliot is a pretty demanding one but River Mardesic stood up to the challenge and knocked it out of the park. Across the 3 hour run time, you see him do multiple dance styles (ballet and tap) incredible well, nail the dramatic character moments in scenes with his dad and grandmother, but the highlights have to be the comedic moments. Mardesic’s comedic timing is impeccable, especially in scenes where he’s joined by his best friend Michael, played by Oscar Mulcahy on the opening night. In terms of scale, their musical number is easily the most memorable from the show.

[Sheffan]

https://www.female.com.au/billy-elliot- ... 3DV9GZ2sD0


While the script language may seem a little shocking at first, especially from the older and younger members of the cast, it's true to character and delivers the punch needed to bring the show to the next level.

This multi-layered musical has strong cast leaders, Broadway choreography and staging timed to perfection

[Sheffan]

http://www.lilithia.net/billy-elliot-th ... k2HEXVltnw

The set designs by Ian MacNeil and costumes by Nicky Gillibrand are both detailed, impressive and really bring you into Billy’s world. Even though this production is essentially a musical with catchy songs such as “Solidarity” and “Electricity”, the most impressive parts of the musical are the dance numbers. Admittedly, I have never been one to favour dance in theatre, but with Billy Elliot, the pieces are choreographed with so much care, passion and heart, it is hard not be touched by this spectacular piece of theatre.

[Sheffan]

https://www.girl.com.au/billy-elliot-th ... review.htm

The whole cast are superb in their portrayal especially 11-year-old River Mardesic who played the role of Billy Elliot on opening night. River captivates an entire stage, especially during solos and continually mesmerised the entire theatre, I could not admire him more. Four boys share the role of Billy Elliot and rightly so as the character of Billy hardly leaves the stage amongst the 3-hour show.

I absolutely have to acknowledge Lisa Sontag in her role as Mrs Wilkinson, her fabulous portrayal as Billy's ballet teacher truly carries the performance forward with her encouraging presence even amongst a stage filled with young children.

[Sheffan]

https://www.theatretravels.org/post/rev ... nt-theatre

The true solidarity of this show is seen in the community coming together to support Billy’s dream to go to the Royal Ballet School. In a moving scene where individuals unite to support the Elliot family, we are left with a powerful message that we are stronger when we band together. The company reunites for a final Show stopping number, where miners adorn tutus over their work clothes. It is a celebration of love, generosity of spirit, and following one’s passions. Billy Elliot the Musical is a timeless story of the creative spirit of a young boy, who just wants to be himself. It is not to be missed!

[Sheffan]

https://www.dancewriter.com.au/reviews/ ... more-17678

Intense and emotional, this multi-faceted celebration of humanity completely captivates the enthusiastic opening night audience. Led by 11-year-old River Mardesic as Billy Elliot, this production ticks every entertainment box on its 2020 return to Melbourne’s Regent Theatre.

Clever story-telling is at the heart of this show’s success. A whirlpool of emotion, Billy Elliot The Musical explores humanity through dialogue, dance and ongoing juxtaposition of childhood innocence and the pressures of the adult world. The social and political commentary beautifully depicts the historical impact of the miners’ strike, a dark and difficult time in Northern England

[Sheffan]

https://www.weekendnotes.com/billy-elli ... melbourne/

Lisa Sontag appears as the formidable dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson. Sontag's commanding presence contrasts with Justin Smith's portrayal of Billy's Dad, a character that is gruff, disapproving, and at times stumbling in his parenting. A highlight was Vivien Davies' performance as Grandma. In Grandma's Song, she shows herself to be no shrinking violet. While Grandma is hunched at the kitchen table for most of her stage time when the opportunity arises Davies demonstrates her beautiful voice and lithe dancing