OPEN auditions for the children’s cast of Billy Elliot the Musical are taking place in Bristol this month.

Young boys are needed to join the internationally acclaimed show, which has recently extended booking until May 2015, through its 10 year anniversary.

Currently in London, the role of Billy is played by Elliott Hanna (10 years old from Liverpool), Bradley Perret (11 years old from Juan les Pins, France), Redmand Rance (13 years old from Fareham, Hampshire) and Mitchell Tobin (13 years old from Florida, USA). Zach Atkinson (12 years old from Manchester), Zak Baker (13 years old from St Albans) and Freddie Butterfield (11 years old from West Yorkshire) play the role of Billy’s best friend Michael. Billy Elliot the Musical, which has now been seen by nearly 9.5 million people worldwide and is the recipient of over 80 major international awards, also features a cast of young ballet girls and a tall boy and small boy.

Based on the Oscar nominated film, Billy Elliot the Musical is an inspirational story of one boy’s dream to realise his ambitions against the odds. Set in the North East of England against the background of the historic 1984/85 miners’ strike, Billy pursues his passion for dance in secret to avoid disapproval of his struggling family.

Auditions take place on April 26. Boys should be between the ages of 9 and 13 years and be a maximum of five feet with no broken voices. Tap and ballet experience is a bonus but not essential.

For further information or to arrange an audition, please email Children’s Casting Director, Jessica Ronane at billy@jessicaronane.com stating your city and date in the subject box or go to billyelliotthemusical.com/auditions.