With the multi award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical currently playing to packed houses on the Birmingham Hippodrome main stage, offstage, the young stars of the show have been enjoying a taste of life as a ballet dancer courtesy of the city’s premier touring ballet company, BRB.

Taking time out from their busy performance schedule, young cast members Adam Abbou, Lewis Smallman and Emile Gooding enjoyed an exclusive glimpse behind-the-scenes of Birmingham Royal Ballet on Wed 12th April. The three young stars, who alongside Haydn May alternate the role of Billy Elliot on UK Tour, were invited along to join dancers at Birmingham Royal Ballet’s daily ‘company class’ – a 1 hour, 15 minute session designed to warm up muscles, improve technique and prepare dancers for a busy day of rehearsals and performances.

On hand to share their top tips were professional company members William Bracewell and Brandon Lawrence, both of whom appeared in Sir Peter Wright’s production of Swan Lake in 2015 . The dancers joined the young stars of Billy Elliot for a post-class Q & A and photo-call, covering topics ranging from pointe work, diet and training to life on tour and what it takes to make it in the industry.

Birmingham Royal Ballet company member, Brandon Lawrence said: ‘I was lucky enough to catch Emile Gooding perform the role of Billy Elliot in Birmingham earlier this month and I was completely blown away by the skill level on display. That goes for all of the young cast! These children work incredibly hard both on and offstage – it was incredibly inspiring to meet such a dedicated and driven group of young dancers.

For me, the company class is one of the most important parts of my day. It’s a chance to improve stamina, maintain fitness and refine technique so it’s a great introduction to the work of the company. It was fantastic to have the Billys join us for the morning and to pass on some advice from my own career in dance. I’m certain this won’t be the last we’ll see of them on our stages!  

Born in Bradford, Brandon Lawrence trained at the Nydza School of Dance, Bingley, and the Royal Ballet School. He joined Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2011 and was promoted to First Artist in 2014, and Soloist in 2016.

Set in a northern mining town against the background of the 1984/85 miners’, Billy Elliot the Musical follows one boy’s journey from boxing to ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.

Billy Elliot the Musical is at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 29 April 2017. Performance times: Mon-Sat eves 7.30pm, Sat Mats 2.30pm, Thurs Mats 2pm. Tickets are priced from £25.  Purchase online at www.birminghamhippodrome.com or telephone 0844 338 5000. A 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person) postage from £1. Phone calls from 4.5p per minute. Prices and discounting subject to change.