BILLY ELLIOT mined a rich vein of success at last night’s Tony theatre awards in New York, claiming 10 gongs, including Best Musical.


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As well as pulling off the amazing feat of introducing northern accents to American audiences, Billy Elliot on Broadway also managed to grab three Best Actor prizes, probably a never-to-be-repeated effort.

Like in its West End equivalent, the teenage-boy title role is shared by three actors, so each of them doesn’t have to stay up late every night.

“We want to say to all the kids out there who might want to dance: ‘Never give up.,” said Kiril Kulish, one of the New York trio, referring to the show’s story of a young boy whose ballet hobby doesn’t go down too well in his coal-mining community.

Stephen Daldry, who directed the musical and also directed the film from which it comes, claimed a Best Director Tony.

“I have been blessed over the majority of the last 10 years of my life putting on the story of Billy Elliot,” he said.

Sir Elton John, who wrote the show’s music, was also on hand to share the celebrations.

“Thank you for accepting us so beautifully on Broadway,” said Sir Elton.

“We came here at a hard time economically. You opened up your wallets and you opened up your hearts to us. And we love you for it. Thank you.”