Retford: Nine-year-old dancer lands top audition for dream West End role of Billy Elliot

A nine-year-old stage star in the making will showcase his talents before a panel of casting directors after landing a top audition for the role of Billy Elliot in London.
Oliver Johnson, 9, has landed a top London auditionOliver Johnson, 9, has landed a top London audition
Oliver Johnson, 9, has landed a top London audition

Oliver Johnson, from Retford, will travel to the capital on Saturday 24th January in the hope of fulfilling his life-long dream of becoming a West End performer.

A keen dancer, singer and actor from an early age, Oliver is no stranger to treading the boards - having previously danced at the Royal Albert Hall for ‘Stars in the Round’ last year.

Oliver has also performed alongside David Hasselhof in proffessional pantomime ‘Peter Pan’ at Nottingham Theatre Royal and came first place in the Boys Verse speaking category at the Mansfield Music and Drama Festival.

Oliver’s Mum, Claire Johnson, is a dance teacher. She said: “Oliver started dancing from a very early age when we enrolled him in ballet classes.”

“He hated it at first and now dancing is a huge part of his life- so in a way his story is very similar to that of Billy Elliot!”

“We’re not really thinking about what will happen if he lands the role and has to relocate to London- we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

“It’s a scary thought as he is only nine years of age, but this is just such an amazing opportunity for Oliver and he really deserves the part. We’re very proud of him no matter what happens.”

Oliver is currently working on Trinity Guildhall College of London Speech and Drama Grade 4 at GCSE level.

Billy Elliot the Musical is a musical based on the 2000 film Billy Elliot which premiered in London in 2005. The music is by Elton John.

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