TO CELEBRATE five amazing years in the West End, the producers of Billy Elliot the Musical are auditioning local young dancers to perform in a special production of the hit at The Broadway theatre, Barking, in the summer. The auditions will be held on Jan

TO CELEBRATE five amazing years in the West End, the producers of Billy Elliot the Musical are auditioning local young dancers to perform in a special production of the hit at The Broadway theatre, Barking, in the summer.

The auditions will be held on January 24 in Benfleet and are a fantastic opportunity for children to perform on stage.

Billy Youth Theatre is an exciting new initiative providing schools and youth groups around the country with the opportunity to perform their own productions of this internationally award-winning show.

Billy Elliot writer Lee Hall, together with Martin Koch (musical supervision and orchestrations), have produced a shortened version.

The Broadway's version, by Youth On Stage Theatre Company, will be staged from July 21-24.

Lee Hall, who originally conceived the idea behind Billy Youth Theatre, said: "I am delighted that young people around the country will have the opportunity to bring the story of Billy Elliot to life in their local communities with the help and guidance of our creative team."

Anyone interested in auditioning needs to send an email to billyyouththeatreessex@btconnect.com to request an information pack, or download it from the Youth On Stage website at www.billyyouththeatreessex.co.uk, where further information about the production can be found.