Billy Elliot the Musical is returning with a major 2026–27 UK and Ireland tour, followed by a 25-week West End season at the Adelphi Theatre.
The production opens in Sunderland in November 2026 before visiting Manchester and Edinburgh, then reaches London from 12 February to 31 July 2027. Further 2027 and 2028 dates are also now on sale or preparing to go on sale.
Latest Update
Full principal casting has now been announced. Annette McLaughlin returns to the role of Mrs Wilkinson, with Deka Walmsley as Dad, Jack Bandeira as Tony and Lesley Joseph as Grandma.
The title role of Billy is shared by a company of young performers, with the official production site listing multiple Billys across the tour and West End season.
Overview
Set against the backdrop of the 1984–85 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot follows a working-class boy whose discovery of ballet puts him at odds with family expectations and the pressures surrounding his community.
The musical is based on the acclaimed film and features music by Elton John, with book and lyrics by Lee Hall.
Cast
- Annette McLaughlin – Mrs Wilkinson
- Deka Walmsley – Dad
- Jack Bandeira – Tony
- Lesley Joseph – Grandma
Further company members and the rotating young cast can be found on the official production website. Because the Billy role is shared, check the relevant performance information if you are hoping to see a particular performer.
When is Billy Elliot back in the West End?
The production plays the Adelphi Theatre from 12 February to 31 July 2027 for a 25-week season.
UK & Ireland Tour Dates
- Sunderland Empire: 4–28 November 2026
- Palace Theatre Manchester: 2 December 2026–9 January 2027
- Edinburgh Playhouse: 19 January–6 February 2027
- Adelphi Theatre, London: 12 February–31 July 2027
- Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff: 10–28 August 2027
- Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin: 14 September–9 October 2027
- Alhambra Theatre, Bradford: 19 October–6 November 2027
- Bristol Hippodrome: 1–26 February 2028
Ticket Releases
West End, Sunderland, Manchester and Edinburgh performances are currently listed as on sale. Cardiff tickets are due on sale on 11 September 2026, Dublin on 14 September 2026, Bradford on 9 October 2026 and Bristol on 22 September 2026. Sales can change, so check the official production or venue page before booking.
Why See It?
This is a major return for one of Britain’s best-known musicals, and the combination of the miners’ strike setting, family story and dance gives it much more depth than a straightforward feel-good show. The new tour is also a chance for audiences outside London to see the musical before or after the West End season.
Accessibility
Accessible performance information varies by venue and date. Check the relevant theatre’s official access page for wheelchair spaces, step-free access, companion tickets, captioned, BSL-interpreted, audio-described or relaxed performances where available. I’ll add confirmed production-specific access dates here as they are announced.
Tickets
Booking links and affiliate options will be added where useful once the correct current seller is confirmed for each venue.
Clarissa’s Corner Archive Note
Billy Elliot has appeared in earlier Clarissa’s Corner coverage as a cultural and theatre reference. This guide is being kept separate as the current 2026–28 production update so older posts and historical mentions remain intact.
FAQ
When is Billy Elliot in the West End?
The current London season is scheduled at the Adelphi Theatre from 12 February to 31 July 2027.
Who plays Mrs Wilkinson in the new tour?
Annette McLaughlin returns to the role of Mrs Wilkinson.
Who plays Grandma?
Lesley Joseph plays Grandma in the new production.
More Theatre on Clarissa’s Corner
For related reading, see our Stagey Spotlight on Layton Williams, who began his West End career in Billy Elliot, and our Boys from the Blackstuff review for another stage story rooted in working-class Britain and the legacy of industrial decline.
