Sir Elton John has said the story of Billy Elliot “struck a chord” because it reminded him of how his father “never came to see me” when he performed. The 79-year-old Oscar-winning singer reflected on his connection to the film and musical, noting that it shares many similarities with his own life and his strained relationship with his father Stanley.
Personal Parallels with Billy Elliot
Speaking at a launch event for the revival of the hit musical on Wednesday, Sir Elton explained why he was drawn to the story. “I think the thing that really impressed me the most, and made me decide that I wanted to write it, was when Billy’s dad comes into the balcony to see him go on at the Royal Ballet for the first time,” he said, referring to the scene where the title character’s father supports his son’s dancing dream.
Sir Elton continued: “During my career, my dad never came to see me and that struck a chord. I’d have loved my dad to come and see me – but no, I’m not going to blame him any more because he just didn’t have the wherewithal to come see me. I thought, ‘God, I would love my dad to have seen me’.”
Music as Solace
The star, born Reginald Dwight, had a famously difficult relationship with his father Stanley, who was dismissive of his globally successful music career. Sir Elton achieved 10 UK number one singles and albums. He added: “When I was a child, I was driven into music because music was my life. It was where I retreated to when my parents were arguing, it was my solitude, it was my inspiration. Billy’s dancing was his inspiration against all odds.”
“Part of his story is his dad didn’t want him to do it at the beginning, and he came around at the end. I think our stories are very similar. I decided to become a rock and roll player, which my dad was horrified by … that’s what Billy did with his dad. I think that’s what really connects me to the musical and the film.”
Emotional Impact of the Film
Sir Elton said when he first saw the film “it destroyed me” and recounted “sobbing in my seat for the last 10 minutes”, adding: “I just loved it so much.” He also composed for the musical adaptation, which is based on the acclaimed 2000s film set during the 1984 coal miners’ strike, telling the story of an 11-year-old boy discovering his passion for ballet.
The star has composed for smash-hit musicals such as The Devil Wears Prada, The Lion King and Billy Elliot. The latter is set to return to the West End next year after almost a decade. The musical made its stage debut in 2005 and ran for 11 years.
Return to the West End
Sir Elton said he is “thrilled” the award-winning musical will return to the West End next year. The upcoming production, which will return to the stage in November before being taken to London’s Adelphi Theatre for a limited run, will star Noah Mannion, Rafferty Smale, Spencer Collins and William Gurney as Billy Elliot. It will also feature an appearance from Liam Mower, one of the original actors to play the title character in 2005, who will portray an older version of Billy.
Billy Elliot: The Musical is based on a book by Lee Hall and directed by Stephen Daldry. It has enjoyed global success, winning five Olivier Awards during its acclaimed run in London.
