THERE'S nothing like a tale of triumph over adversity to engross an audience and Billy Elliot has you gripped from the first notes to the final curtain. 

Set during the 1984 miners’ strike, this award-winning musical is gritty, heart-wrenching and utterly brilliant. 

The tough world of Northern boxing clubs and picket lines is hardly a nurturing environment for a young boy’s burgeoning ambition to become a ballet dancer but somehow Our Billy leaps from the coal dust to the chance of a brighter future. 

And what a leap – the dancing talents of Emile Gooding (one of four Billys who share the role) had the audience gasping with delight as he tapped and spun across the stage with exceptional grace and skill. 

As you would expect from a tale set in a time of political unrest and class warfare, Billy Elliot is raw and edgy with an undercurrent of violence and a pertinent warning about strong language.

Yet this show is also deeply heart-warming as Billy’s dad and brother try to overcome their personal prejudices and family circumstances to help their “bairn” swap the pits for plies. 

Annette McLaughlin gives a brilliant performance as the chain-smoking dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson who spots Billy’s potential among the leggings and leotards of her adorable troupe. 

Bradley Mayfield as Billy’s best friend Michael provides some of the show’s many highlights as they pick their way through the hardship and camaraderie of a childhood in a mining town in Mrs Thatcher’s Britain.

Elton John’s score is more punchy and powerful than some of his other well-loved musicals – don’t expect to come out whistling sweet catchy melodies – but coupled with strong acting performances and the dancing prowess, Billy Elliot comes together as a memorable theatrical spectacle.

Billy Elliot The Musical runs at The Mayflower Theatre Southampton until March 4. 

REVIEW Jill Cowling