The Stage

First week of Billy Elliot previews delayed

Published Wednesday 16 March 2005 at 12:20 by Alistair Smith

Billy Elliot the Musical has cancelled its three opening previews, delaying its first performance from March 24 to March 31.

The decision comes weeks after Anne Rogers, due to play Billy’s grandmother, quit the cast over fears that her part could face cuts as producers attempted to cut half an hour from the production’s running time. She was replaced by Ann Emery, Rentaghost star and sister of the late comedian Dick Emery.

Stephen Daldry, the musical’s director, explained the decision to axe the first week of previews. He said: “This is one of the most ambitious projects I have been involved with. The decision has been made to push back our preview performances in order to give our company, with a cast including 45 children, a little extra time so they are as fully prepared as possible.”

The cancelled performances have been re-scheduled for April 14, 20 and 27. Press night, as previously announced, is on May 11 and the opening night is May 12.