Review: Arts Club's Billy Elliot well worth seeing

For a satisfying story, lively music and dance, you can’t do better than the Arts Club Theatre’s production of Billy Elliot, running till July 10 at the Stanley Theatre.

There’s lots of local talent shining in it, too. 

New Burnaby resident Kirk Smith, with a long resume of appearing in local and Canadian productions, is likable as the bumbling boxing coach, who is surefooted in the dance numbers.

David Adams, familiar to many local theatregoers from lead roles in Royal City Musical Theatre productions, is the head union leader, leading the stirring songs in the miners’ chorus. 

Many of the children in the cast have also appeared in local productions.

Set against the hard times of Britain’s miners’ strike of 1984, and Maggie Thatcher’s tight-fisted governing, it’s the story of a young boy who accidentally discovers a talent and liking for ballet, and how well that goes down in a mining town. (Not at all.)

It’s a mix of pathos and humour, as Billy tries to win over his macho Dad, brother and family, encouraged by his indomitable dance teacher, played by Caitriona Murphy, whose musical number Shine brings all the cast - miners, townsfolk and youngsters - exploding onto the stage.

Against the refusal of his father, he’s encouraged by his grandmother, played with fey charm by Barbara Pollard, and his equally fey and likable buddy played by Valin Shinyei. 

Faced with disaster in their own jobs, the miners eventually see that young people need more chances.

The sets change from the Miners Hall, to the family’s small ’40s home, an audition hall and the mine face, all framed in huge steel towers on either side of the stage. 

Nolan Fahey as Billy shows excellent acting, singing and dance talent in the lead role.

With more than15 musical numbers, solo and ensemble, moving along at a driving pace, the show elicited a standing ovation on opening night, a tribute to the talent and energy of the cast. 

Worth seeing.

The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage is at  2750 Granville St. For tickets and information, see www.artsclub.com or call the box office at 604-687-1644.