London Boy Is One of the West End's New "Billy Elliots"

By Mark Shenton
June 23, 2008

Fox Jackson-Keen becomes the 16th boy to play the title role in the original West End production of Billy Elliot on June 23 — a debut that marks the first time the role has been played by a Londoner.

The multi-talented 13-year-old has said in a press statement that he has "been lucky enough to have done some amazing things. I have represented London at Gymnastics, danced at the Sadler's Wells, appeared on television in shows such as 'Hyper Drive' and 'The Bill' and have filmed in Cannes and Camberwell. I am enjoying my time at Billy Elliot enormously and have really benefited from the support of a huge team here. I am really proud to be the first London boy to play Billy Elliot."

He joins current Billy Elliots Layton Williams (14 years old from Manchester), Hogan Fulton (13 years old from Newberry Park, California) and Joshua Fedrick (14 years old from Saltash, Cornwall) who perform alongside the adult principals Jackie Clune (Mrs. Wilkinson), Phil Whitchurch (Dad), Chris Lennon (Tony), Ann Emery (Grandma), Trevor Fox (George), Alex Delamere (Mr. Braithwaite), Sara Poyzer (Mum) and Barnaby Meredith (Older Billy).

Billy Elliot, inspired by the movie and written by Lee Hall and Elton John, is currently playing at London's Victoria Palace Theatre. For tickets, contact the box office on 0870 895 5577, or visit www.billyelliotthemusical.com.

It is also currently playing internationally at Sydney's Capitol Theatre, and will begin performances at Broadway's Imperial Theatre in October.