New cast members and dates for Billy Elliot tour
Annette McLaughlin, Lesley Joseph and Deka Walmsley have joined the cast of Billy Elliot the Musical, which opens at the Sunderland Empire (November 4-28) spending Christmas at the Manchester Palace (December 2-January 9).
It has also just been revealed that following its London season (from February-July 2027), new tour dates will include Bradford Alhambra (October 19-November 6, 2027).
Annette McLaughlin will reprise the role of dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson, with Deka Walmsley as Dad, and Lesley Joseph as Grandma. Jack Bandeira will play Tony.
McLaughlin played Mrs Wilkinson on the show's last UK and Ireland tour, and has been seen in many West End shows, including Matilda The Musical, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Twelfth Night, Chicago and Anything Goes.
Deka Walmsley returns to the role of Dad, having played him in both the West End and on screen in Billy Elliot the Musical Live. His other theatre credits include Macbeth and The Pitmen Painters.
Lesley Joseph went from TV fame as Dorien in sitcom Birds of a Feather to many theatre credits, including The Addams Family, Annie and her Olivier award-nominated performance as Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein.
The show, seen by more than 12 million people around he world, has music by Elton John, with a book and lyrics by Lee Hall.
More info and tickets here
