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I didn't enjoy the film, and therefore was dragged along to see the show at the West End. However, when I got there, I discovered a glittering jewel of a show, and that is reflected in this original cast recording. Unlike the film which seemed to get bogged down in it's own sentimentality, this is a gritty, witty and funny show, which deserves to be placed up there with 'Blood Brothers'. The music, written by Elton John is wonderful. I don't like Elton's pop work at all, however this piece demonstrates that he is clearly an extremely talented musician with a very clever ear for melody. The piece is varied: from the multi-casted interweaving 'Solidarity' to the naive beauty of Billy's explanation to the Royal Ballet audition committee, 'Electricity'. The libretto is tight and lean- the laughs come thick and fast, but demonstrates throughout the human emotion of the piece. Unlike the film, the show captures the distress and tension of the Miner's Strike and this is integral to both the plot and emotions revealed and is as good as anything Willy Russell or Alan Bleasdale has written. This recording faithfully portrays the excellent Original Cast. The kids are extraordinary. The adults too are superb. Tim Healy, playing Billy's dad, is a perfect mix of gruff Geordie manhood, warmth and real emotion. When he has to face Billy's older brother across the picketline as he tries to fund Billy's future, there is a real lump in the listener's throat. I know this kind of character is Healy's forte, however, having seen both Healy and his successor on stage- the original in this case is definitely the best- and this recording demonstrates that. Hadyn Gwynne ('Drop the Dead Donkey') is also excellent as the Julie Walters character. I'm a fan of Walters, but Gwynne manages to wrest the part from the Walters caricature list, to the benefit of the piece. One word of warning though: there is swearing throughout of the 'effing and blinding' variety, so you may want to listen to it first if you plan on giving it as a gift for a young child. To be honest, I didn't find it too intrusive or distasteful and felt it actually gave a more accurate portrayal of the social context of the piece- as well as being absolutely hilarious in places! As a final note, I can't remember ever having laughed through a more cutting, abrasive and downright nasty song as the opening song of Act 2, 'Merry Christmas Mrs Thatcher'. The sentiment behind the song is both historically accurate and shocking, as it is clearly meant to be. Did I also mention that it was hilarious? Move over Mel Brooks, here's Elton John?!? To summarise, if you are a musicals fan, this is essential listening. Buy it.Read full review
I bought this CD for my 11 year old daughter who had sucessfully auditioned as a dancer in the production of Billy Elliot showing at our towns local theatre (The Plaza - Stockport). She loves it and it has helped her to practice at home. Can't wait for the 21st June which is when the show to starts.
i bought this after i went to see the play in london. the play was 100% first class, i didnt buy it at the time because i thought i would not enjoy it to much but after the show i came home bought one for myself and one for my friends birthday who also came to see the show, one day i just might get though billys letter song with out crying, i can feel myself welling up already talking about it. i must say that it does have a song on the cd with alot of bad words. if you see the show you must get the cd or if you have the cd, you must go and see the show its brill. I got my copy from Ebay alot cheaper than i would of got it from the show,
bought it because my daughters theatre group have been choosen by the producters in London to put on billy elliot in Glasgow. So we wanted it to practice all the songs and love it.xxx
after seeing the show which i loved the cd was very expensive so i thought i would got straight to e bay to buy i was not dissapointed jigging around doing the chores it made me do those quicker each song you go back to the show in your head and relive the scene