BYT announces the 14 groups that have been selected to perform at the Billy Youth Theatre West End Gala which will take place at the Victoria Palace Theatre on Sunday 18 July 2010!

In November last year, to celebrate five years of Billy in the West End, Billy Youth Theatre was launched - a new initiative providing schools and youth groups around the country with the opportunity to perform their own productions of Billy Elliot. 115 groups from Stirling to Southampton signed up to take part.

From the 115 groups, we are thrilled to announce that Billy London have whittled this down to the very best 14 groups from across the country who will be performing at a special one off Billy Youth Theatre West End Gala at Billy’s London home; at Victoria Palace Theatre on Sunday 18 July.

The groups chosen are Ariel Young Actors, Canon Slade School, City Youth Theatre Company, CODYS Productions, Coomeshead College & King Edward VI Community College, Polka Dot Academy, Sandbach School Theatre, Scottish School of Musical Theatre, Shotton Hall Theatre School, Stagecoach Oxford, Stagecoach Theatre Arts Darlington and Yarm, STP Musicals, Youth On Stage Theatre Company and West Glamorgan Youth Theatre.

Billy Elliot writer Lee Hall, who originally conceived the idea behind Billy Youth Theatre, said:

"I am thrilled that so many young people around the country have had the opportunity to bring the story of Billy Elliot to life in their local communities. We have seen some amazing performances from groups throughout the UK and are delighted that some of them are also being given the opportunity to perform at great regional theatres around the country and in the West End. Congratulations to them all."

Billy Elliot director, Stephen Daldry said:

"The response to the Billy Youth Theatre has surpassed our expectations. To having been able to offer over 5000 young people the chance to have been so closely associated with our production of Billy Elliot The Musical has been a great experience for us. Our creative team have seen some wonderful excerpts of our musical performed by exceptionally talented young people countrywide."

Good Luck to all groups in their preparations and we look forward to seeing you perform in London!