After an extensive global search, the four boys who will share the title role in the national tour and limited West End run of Billy Elliot the Musical have been revealed.
Noah Mannion, Rafferty Smale, Spencer Collins and William Gurney will take on the iconic role, bringing the beloved story back to stages across the UK.
It has also been announced that Liam Mower, one of the original performers who created the role in 2005, will return to the production to play Older Billy. Mower famously won an Olivier Award for his performance when the musical first opened.
The tour opens at Sunderland Empire on 4 November 2026, running until 28 November, before heading to Palace Theatre Manchester from 2 December 2026 to 9 January 2027 and Edinburgh Playhouse from 19 January to 6 February 2027.
The production will then return to the West End for the first time in over a decade, playing a limited season at the Adelphi Theatre from 12 February to 31 July 2027. Further casting and tour dates are set to be announced.
Based on the critically acclaimed film, Billy Elliot the Musical is set against the backdrop of the 1984 to 1985 miners’ strike and follows a young boy who discovers a passion for dance that transforms his life and his community.
The production has been seen by more than 12 million people worldwide and has won over 80 awards, including ten Tony Awards and five Olivier Awards.
The show features a celebrated creative team including writer Lee Hall, director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and composer Elton John.
Billy Elliot the Musical is presented by Universal Theatrical Group and Working Title Films.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
