NEWS - BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL UK TOUR 2026–2027 ANNOUNCED – MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS RUN CONFIRMED

The original award-winning production of Billy Elliot The Musical UK Tour 2026–2027 has officially been announced — and it’s bringing a major Christmas season to Manchester.

Presented by Universal Theatrical Group and Working Title Films, the much-loved British musical will embark on a national tour this autumn, including a festive run at the Palace Theatre Manchester from 2 December 2026 – 9 January 2027.

The production will also return to the West End for the first time in over a decade, playing a limited season at the Adelphi Theatre from 12 February – 31 July 2027.

Tickets go on sale for Sunderland, Manchester, Edinburgh and London on 9 March 2026 at 10.00am via billyelliotthemusical.com.

A Story That Continues to Inspire

Based on the beloved film, Billy Elliot The Musical is set in a northern mining town during the 1984/’85 miners’ strike. It follows young Billy’s journey from the boxing ring to the ballet barre, where he discovers a passion for dance that changes not only his own life, but the lives of his family and entire community.

Composer Elton John and director Stephen Daldry said:

“Creating Billy Elliot the Musical was one of the most joyous and inspiring moments of our careers, so to bring the show back for a UK tour and a season in the West End for the first time in over a decade is both incredibly emotional and exciting. It’s bold, it’s British, it’s full of heart and the story feels more relevant than ever. We can’t wait for a whole new generation to experience it!”

An Award-Winning Global Phenomenon

Since its premiere, Billy Elliot The Musical has been seen by over 12 million people across five continents and has won more than 80 international awards, including:

• 10 Tony Awards

• 5 Olivier Awards

  
  

In 2006, the first three boys to play Billy — Liam Mower, James Lomas and George Maguire — made history as the youngest performers ever to win the Olivier Award for Best Actor, with the show also taking home Best Musical.

To date, over 125 boys worldwide have stepped into the iconic title role.

The Creative Team

The production reunites the acclaimed creative team behind the film:

• Book and Lyrics: Lee Hall

• Director: Stephen Daldry

• Choreographer: Peter Darling

• Music: Elton John

  
  

Design and creative team include Ian MacNeil (Set Design), Nicky Gillibrand (Costume Design), Rick Fisher (Lighting Design), Paul Arditti (Sound Design), Campbell Young (Hair, Wig & Make-Up Design), Martin Koch (Musical Supervision & Orchestrations), with Simon Pollard directing the tour and Jeroen Luiten as Associate Choreographer.

Adult casting is by Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG, with children’s casting by Nick Hockaday CDG for Jessica Ronane Casting.

The show is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Jon Finn, with executive producers David Furnish and Angela Morrison.

Billy Elliot The Musical UK Tour Dates (So Far)

4 – 28 November 2026

Sunderland Empire

2 December 2026 – 9 January 2027

Palace Theatre Manchester

19 January – 6 February 2027

Edinburgh Playhouse

12 February – 31 July 2027

Adelphi Theatre

Further dates and casting are to be announced.

Manchester Christmas Theatre Highlight

The Manchester Christmas run at the Palace Theatre is set to be one of the biggest festive theatre events of 2026, bringing this powerful and uplifting story back to the North where its roots lie.

With its soaring score, electrifying choreography and deeply moving story, Billy Elliot The Musical UK Tour 2026–2027 looks set to inspire a whole new generation of audiences.

Tickets go on sale 9 March 2026 at 10.00am