Billy Number 40! Thomas Hazelby Feels Electricity as West End’s Newest Billy Elliot Headliner

Ten-year-old Thomas Hazelby makes his West End debut in Billy Elliot beginning March 11, becoming the fortieth boy to take on the titular role in London since its premiere in May 2005. Also joining the cast is 11-year-old Nathan Jones, who plays Michael.

Hazelby, from Doncaster, started dancing at the age of three and has trained at the Royal Ballet School. When not dancing, Jones, who is originally from Northumberland, keeps his feet moving as a black belt karate and kickboxing champion.

The two join a cast at the Victoria Palace Theatre that includes Ruthie Henshall as Mrs. Wilkinson, Deka Walmsley as Dad, Chris Grahamson as Tony and Gillian Elisa as Grandma.

Directed by Stephen Daldry and featuring music by Elton John and a book and lyrics by Lee Hall, Billy Elliot is based on the Oscar nominated film and is an inspiring story of one boy’s dream to know his ambitions against the odds. Set in the North East of England alongside the backdrop of the historic 1984-85 miners’ strike, the show follows Billy as he pursues his passion for dance in secret to evade disapproval from his struggling family.