Abigail Slocombe, Lively, harmless fun

Great night out: For those looking for an entertaining evening out.

Recommend to friends? Perhaps, those a bit older, who might remember the strikes, and those a bit younger who will be entranced by the dancing.

Best bit: Billy dancing Swan Lake with his future self.

Morning after effect: A second listen to the cast recording cements some of the better songs in my mind.

Since I was moved to tears by the film, I went into the theatre with a predisposition to like the show, and in most respects, I was not disappointed.

Opening with the 1984 miners' strike, the show continually weaves Billy's personal journey with that of the declining community, from the rousing opening number 'The Stars Look Down', the dejected miners, fuelled by ferocious hope were definitely the shows strong points, thumping away and soaring in the auditorium. Thatcher's agenda is played out in all its grim resonance, with added skipping from a chorus of policemen.

This bleak reality is where Billy lives, unsure of himself, cowed by his widowed father and bigoted brother, his only home comfort is his grandma, who is losing her marbles (played with mischievous glee by Ann Emery).

When he stumbles into a somewhat anarchic ballet lesson in the village hall, (a pretty specular set by Ian Mcneil, all of the design was spot on) taken by the powerful Mrs Wilkinson (the ever wonderful Ruthie Henshall), he is immediately intrigued by the new experience, and finds himself not only attending, but being naturally talented at it.

Played by Bradley Perret, Billy is an adorable dancer, full of energy, his every appearance is uplifting. As with all the children, including best friend Michael ,(Tomi Fry) the performance is stellar for such a young age, and hilarious. Each conversation is scattered with expletives that elicit huge laughs from the audience every time. There is a great deal of humour in this show, handled a little more obviously than the film, but fine none the less.

Despite this, Act One was surpassed in energy by Act Two, which really shone as Billy takes off down to London to the Royal Ballet, and his father is touched by the solidarity of his comrades in accepting and helping his son, enough so, his change of heart is truly affecting. Deva Warmsley's gruff Northern countenance melting to show his son affection made me cry a little bit.

One of favourite moments has to be the show stopping dreamy and excellently lit dance between Billy and his senior counterpart as he looks into the future. This, paired with the other expressive dances really showcases the ballet. And Barnaby Meredith looked absolutely full of grace as he lifts little Billy right up in the sky.

Apart from this, it was the haunting beauty of 'Once we were kings' the final cry of the miners as they head back to the ailing mines, losing the battle against Thatcher and accepting their fate. As they descend slowly into the stage, their head-torches the only light, I felt chills up my spine.

Overall, despite a few moments that land a bit flat and not enough exposition in the book, there is still a lot of vibrancy and emotion in the show; with elements that take your breath away, and enough heart to deserve to reach its 10th anniversary and maybe a few more besides.

View our show pages for more information about Billy Elliot The Musical, Victoria Palace Theatre.