George Maguire - George Maguire started in dance and used to enter and win talent competitions held at the holiday camps (eg Pontins, Butlins etc.) He started singing lessons when he was eleven and became a member of Colin’s Performing Arts agency, an agency that supplies children manly for TV commercials. He joined a School of Dancing before the audition for the role of Billy Elliot.
Elton John
Elton John, in his early career days, wrote the soundtrack to the film 'Friends' which was a minor hit in 1971.
He became Mega famous and apart from being the 'Pinball Wizard' in 'Tommy', it was not until the last 10 years that he has concentrated more on
film and theatre. As well as the soundtrack to the film 'Lion King' with which "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" won the 1995 Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and "Circle Of Life" won the Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals,
Elton John again joined forces with the veteran stage lyricist Tim Rice on a contemporary score for Verdi's AIDA.
The role of Billy Elliot
On the opening night the role of Billy Elliot was played by 12 year old Liam Mower (shown in the picture on the left, and above boy on right). Liam Mower lives in Hull and was a member of the Northern Theatre Company. When he was eleven he successfully auditioned at the Urdang Academy, and later gained a place at the Royal Ballet mid Associates. Whilst auditioning for Billy Elliot he gained a full time place at the Royal Ballet School "White Lodge”, where he is at the moment. Singing and acting are relatively new to him.
Due to regulations regarding child employment the part of Billy Elliot is shared between three boys who take it in turns to play the role. The other two boys are:
James Lomas : James Lomas at 10 years old was a South Yorkshire champion in gymnastics and a brown belt in karate. He is also a member of his local operatic society and has played the role of Oliver. At twelve years old he joined Sheffield Youth Theatre as they were doing Shakespeare’s Pericles at the Sheffield Crucible, and began dancing lessons. His first audition was for the part of Billy Elliot about which he says 'Billy Elliot has opened new doors for me. I have been learning ballet, break dancing and body popping, which I have loved. I have also made some fantastic friends, and met some brilliant people.'
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