Original Billies reunite

Billy Elliot the musical is one year old on Friday. To mark the occasion in style, the three original Billies are reuniting for a one-off ensemble performance.

James Lomas, 15, George Maguire, 15, and Liam Mower, 13, will share the title role at the Victoria Palace in the West End on 12 May.

Sir Elton John, who composed the music for the show about a Tyneside boy who dances his way to the Royal Ballet, will be joining in the celebrations.

Stephen Daldry, director of the musical as well as the 2000 film which inspired it, said: "It's going to be a hugely emotional evening." The new Billy Elliots, including American Colin Bates and Matthew Koon, whose parents are from Hong Kong, will have Friday night off.

The musical has made more than £30 million and been seen by nearly 650,000 people, including the Queen and Prince Philip who made an unscheduled visit.