Billy (musical)
| Billy | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Music | John Barry |
| Lyrics | Don Black |
| Book |
Dick Clement Ian La Frenais |
| Basis | Novel Billy Liar by Keith Waterhouse and the play of the same name by Waterhouse and Willis Hall |
| Productions | 1974 West End |
Billy is a musical based on the novel and play Billy Liar by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall. The book was written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, the music is by John Barry, and the lyrics are by Don Black.
Billy opened at the Palace Theatre in Manchester before moving to the West End at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on 1 May 1974 where it ran for 904 performances.
The cast starred Michael Crawford in the title role, with Bryan Pringle (Geoffrey Fisher), Avis Bunnage (Alice Fisher), Christopher Hancock (Mr. Shadrack), Billy Boyle, Diana Quick (Liz Benson), Gay Soper (Barbara), and Elaine Paige (Rita). The production was directed by Patrick Garland with choreography by Onna White, set by Ralph Kotai, costumes by Annena Stubbs, and lighting by Jules Fisher.Roy Castle replaced Crawford late in the run.
The first revival and re imagining of Billy was staged at the Union Theatre in London in June 2013. The production received rave 5 star reviews under the staging and direction of Michael Strassen. (Best Director/Off West End Awards 2014) Michael Strassen’s feisty, intelligent, sensationally well lit (by Tim Deiling) production... The first act is extraordinary and the second, like Gypsy’s, tapers off into mere brilliance' (Coveney, 5 stars. The Independent).
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