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Busy day for Billys

Sat 13 May 2006    |    Written by Linn B. Eriksen


George Maguire, James Lomas and Liam Mower had a busy day yesterday.

It was a busy day for the three actors playing Billy Elliot yesterday. After hours of rehearsals and interviews in the day, they played the demanding role of Billy at the spectacular birthday show in the evening before facing the huge crowds of fans waiting for them outside at midnight.

Billy Elliot
Billy's first anniversary.

Yesterday, 12th May, was a milestone in the Billy Elliot history, when the musical marked it's first anniversary. Stephen Daldry and Elton John's musical Billy Elliot has had huge success since it opened on 11th May 2005, and has now been seen by more than 650,000 people. It has also won numerous awards, including the prestigious Olivier Award for Best Musical. Much of the musical's success is due to the talents of the newcomers playing Billy Elliot. James Lomas, George Maguire and Liam Mower created the role of Billy in 2005, a role which earned them the Oliver Award for Best Actors in a Musical.

Comeback for George and James
James Lomas, who is now 16 years old, and George Maguire, who is 15, left the show a few months ago, while the youngest of the three, Liam Mower (13) is still performing the role. Yesterday saw therefore a historical comeback for James and George, when they returned to the show for one night only for the anniversary show, sharing the role of Billy with Liam. The boys played Billy in alternating scenes throughout the performance, where George did Angry Dance, James did Grandma’s song and Liam did Electricity, to standing ovations.

Facing the crowds after a busy day
After the show, fans (and curious onlookers) gathered at the stage door and at the main entrance, waiting for the stars to come out. Everybody wanted autographs and photos of the boys playing Billy.

Elton John
Elton John rushed off afterwards.

George Maguire made a brief appearance before running off, while Liam Mower and Brad Kavanagh (who played the role of Billy's best friend Michael this night) signed programmes and posters to the crowd's delight. Well after midnight, when all the guests had left the party, James Lomas came out. He signed programmes and posed for photos for a few minutes before heading home after what had been a busy day for the Billy's.

And Sir Elton? He was one of the first to leave the party, making his exit through the stage door...