The musical, which is based on the film of the same name, is scheduled to play Sydney's Capitol Theatre. A search for three young boys to alternate in the title role of the musical will begin shortly.

In a press statement producer Eric Fellner said, "We're very excited to be bringing Stephen Daldry's full West End production of Billy Elliot to Australia, only the second country in the world to get the chance to experience this astonishing theatrical event."

Executive producer Louise Withers added, "An Australian wide search will begin next month for the three young actors who will alternate in the role of Billy, with auditions being held in major centers and an exhaustive search for young talent in every town and city throughout Australia and New Zealand."

Set in England's North East against the background of the miners' strike, Billy Elliot is about a working-class boy's dream of becoming a ballet dancer. The musical features a score by Elton John and a book by Lee Hall.

Stephen Daldry's production won Best New Musical at the 2006 Olivier Awards. Peter Darling picked up the Best Theatre Choreographer Award, while the Best Actor in a Musical Award was shared by James Lomas, George Maguire and Liam Mower, who rotated in the title role. Billy Elliot is scheduled to open on Broadway in the fall of 2008.