Some of us are destined to follow family footsteps, while others are destined to break cycles and find freedom and a life of our own. These destinies intersect as Free-Rain Theatre Company presents Billy Elliot the Musical at The Q – Queanbeyan Arts Performing Centre on 9 April – 5 May.

Inspired by the film of the same name, the story takes place in Northern England during the 1984-85 United Kingdom miners’ strike. Amidst the devastation and tension the strikes are causing across the country, the Elliot family is having their own challenges. After the loss of his wife, a father is caring for his two sons, one a miner like himself, and the youngest, Billy, who is 11 years old and dreams of something bigger than the miner’s life.

Stumbling into ballet instead of boxing class, Billy uncovers something that will change his future.

“Billy was destined to become, as Mrs Wilkinson would say, a miner. Work in the mines, race whippets, grow leeks and piss his wages up the wall, that was his lot in life,” says Jarrad West, director.

Quoting Queen, Jarrad says everyone wants to break free in some way, they want to break some mould that has been set out for them, and witnessing someone do that is a real joy.

“There’s a shiny brief chance that you might not have to submit to the destiny that has been set for you, that you can be something else or do something else, that is universal with everyone,” he says.

Billy’s dance teacher, Mrs Wilkinson, is sceptical before realising what an incredible natural talent the young dancer has, she then sees a bright future ahead. The only problem is Billy’s family, his father and brother, are unsupportive of his dream. They are scared that Billy being a dancer is a threat to both their way of life and their masculinity.

However, Billy and Mrs Wilkinson remain undeterred and Billy with the help of his best friend Michael continues to strive for success.

“It really breaks the stereotype that boys can’t dance, and it’s accompanied by such a beautiful story with the mining and the time. Everything just comes together to make a special story that is enjoyable for all aspects of life,” says Fergus Paterson, performer.

For Fergus, Billy Elliot is a dream role, the young performer has grown up watching the film with his family and says it means so much to all of them. At 14 years old, this is the second time Fergus will be playing Billy on stage after completing a season in Newcastle last year.

“I love the feeling of being on stage and getting to do the three things that I love; singing, dancing and acting, and entertaining people,” he says.

To ease the workload on young performers, Free-Rain has two junior casts for the season. One cast features Billy and Michael from the Newcastle season, the other showcases talented local performers. Both Billys agree it is the right choice to have alternating shows.

“It’s a great idea, the role is so big that having one cast would be too much on one person. I love getting to work with the other person and see how they developed the character so that we can bounce off each other,” says Fergus.

“It’s also a good opportunity for me to see the other leads and their performances because they have done the musical before in Newcastle,” says Mitchell Clement, performer.

For director Jarrad, that means working with two lots of young people. He says he is sometimes known as a Scrooge when it comes to working with children but has loved working with the Billys and Micheals in this production.

“It is an absolute joy to watch these boys from both sides develop, grow and gain this self-assuredness and confidence as they’ve explored these roles and what it means to be these kids in these times,” says Jarrad.

Following the story of the film almost beat for beat, Jarrad says the added songs and dialogue give some of the overlooked characters a chance to shine.

“Everyone gets a chance to show their inner monologue through song. It gives the miners a chance to tell their side of the story and also what is happening with the police, when the police get dragged up from London to enforce these strikes,” he says.

Composed by Elton John with lyrics and book by Lee Hall, Jarrad says it is impossible not to be moved by the raw emotion in the numbers. He believes this is the best musical Elton John has composed, he says it is clever, personal, and has one of the most epic musical numbers.

“Once Solidarity starts, it’s 11 minutes long. Like a freight train that doesn’t end, you cannot stop it and I think it is one of the greatest sections of musical theatre ever,” says Jarrad.

Enjoying their time exploring a complex character, Fergus and Mitchell are excited to hit the stage and hope the audience will enjoy the production as much as they have enjoyed making it.

“I just want people to enjoy themselves, to feel their heart is warm. It is a beautiful story and I want people to feel emotions and go along the journey with me,” smiles Fergus.

“I want them to take the message that you can really be whatever you would like to be,” smiles Mitchell.

Watch the mould get broken in Billy Elliot the Musical at The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre on 9 April – 5 May; theq.net.au

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