It's not often you hear actresses missing out on their dream role because they were too young. 

However, that's exactly what happened to theatre star Annette McLaughlin when she first auditioned for the role of the tough but loving Mrs Wilkinson in Billy Elliot the musical.

Despite getting through several rounds of auditions, and producers loving her take on the role, she was ultimately told she wasn't quite old enough to play the world-weary dance teacher who takes talented young Billy under her wing, in the phenomenally successful stage adaptation of Stephen Daldry's BAFTA-winning 2000 outing.

At the time, the show was still running in London's West End, relatively early into what would end up being a decade-long run.

But now, skip forward a few years, a few thousand performances and last year's celebrated final shows in the West End, and not only is Billy Elliot taking his tap toes and ballet shoes on the road for the first time in the show's debut UK and Ireland tour, but it's also taking McLaughlin along with it, as the veteran actress is finally getting to portray her dream role in a production she quite clearly adores.

With the hugely popular show opening at the Birmingham Hippodrome next week for an eight-week run, I sat down for a chat with Annette to talk all things Billy, Ballet and Brum!

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CLICK HERE to listen to / Download my full interview and chat with Annette!

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Stourbridge News:

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL runs at the BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME from Tuesday 7 March to Saturday 29 April 2017.

CLICK HERE for more information on the show's run at the Hippodrome and to book your tickets!


Alternatively, call the Hippodrome Box Office directly on 0844 338 5000 now to book your tickets!