theatrecrafts - entertainment technology resource

Billy Elliot

One of the greatest modern musicals, the scenic design by Ian MacNeil is a major triumph, enhanced by the poetic automation of the main elements (bed and table lift) by AVW Controls and Delstar Engineering.

Director: Stephen Daldry
Choreographer: Peter Darling
Music: Elton John
Lyrics & Book: Lee Hall
Set Design: Ian MacNeil
Costumes: Nicky Gillibrand
Lighting Design: Rick Fisher
Sound Design: Paul Arditti.
Automation: AVW Controls and Delstar Engineering

Lighting

Many of the spectacular lighting effects (design by Rick Fisher) are due to the flexibility of the ETC Source 4 Revolution moving light, which uses a tungsten light source (like the more subtle generic lanterns used worldwide, instead of the harsher 'cold' light produced by regular moving lights).
Martin TW1 instruments are also used, along with Strand Pirhouette fixtures used on the LX bar featured during Billy's audition ('Electricity').

More information about the technical elements of the show can be read at Live Design Online's article 'Tiny Dancer' from 2005.

Scenic Automation

Demonstration of the house, bed and kitchen table lifts and traps at Victoria Palace Theatre. Video by Anton Woodward of AVW Controls, who designed the system.

Production Dates

11 May 2005 to present: West End, London - Victoria Palace Theatre
- Reported budget for the show: £5.5million
13 November 2007 Capitol Theatre, Sydney
November 13 2008 to January 8, 2012: Imperial Theatre, New York NY (after 40 previews and 1,304 regular performances.)
- This production recouped its original investment of $18 million in 14 months and continued to sell strongly until it closed.
2008 Melbourne
2010 US National Tour
2010 Seoul
2010 2nd National Tour