Billy

Amongst the older generation, 'Billy' will always be remembered as Michael Crawford's big break - I saw him play the starring role in the West End, along with a very young Elaine Paige! Michael went on to star in 'Some Mothers Do Have 'Em' and then, mega stardom as the Phantom in 'Phantom of the Opera'.

'Billy' was written 40 years ago, based on the stage play, then the film 'Billy Liar' by Willis Hall and adapted to the musical by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, with music composed by John Barry and lyrics by the 'master', Don Black.

Morley took a bold decision to choose this musical for their Autum production and I admire them for choosing something different, both for their company and their audience. The Director/Choreographer, Michael Kirkby, made the most of both the Dream sequences, which Billy conjures up in his imagination to take him out of his boring world - and real life scenes, showing how much Billy wants to escape the drudgery of everday life. These worked very well. Jason Reynolds was believable in the title role as he juggled his real and fantasy worlds - and with three 'fiancees' pulling him in all directions, made for some good comedy scenes. More comedy was in the safe hands of Steven Holt as Billy's ever-swearing Father, Geoffrey, Jane Ellaway as his long-suffering mother, Alice and Kazia Gamble as a grumpy Gran. Their comedy timing and diction was spot-on. Michael is used to working through some of the difficultiees posed by the Town Hall stage - I felt, at times, the scenery detracted a little from the action, but did not deter the enthusiastic cast from presenting its audience with good movement and singing. Other principals played their parts with conviction and I would like to mention Ysanne Morrill as Barbara, Billy's quiet fiancee, as getting her character just right.

The Musical Director was, as always, David Hann, Costumes by the very talented Tina Riordan, Stage Management and Creative Team led by Gayna and Howard Goalby - a good, hard working team!

As a piece of musical theatre, it's very much of its time - songs are often standalone interludes that help create Billy's fantasies or illustrate his parents  despair at their non-conformist son.

The main characters were supported by a strong chorus of men and women, along with young boys representing young Billy and his friends. Altogether, a fun-filled evening - my congratulations to you all!

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