Stockport-born talent Noah Mannion has secured the iconic title role in the upcoming national tour and West End revival of Billy Elliot The Musical. 

The twelve-year-old local dancer was selected following an extensive global search conducted by Universal Theatrical Group and Working Title Films.

Noah is one of just four boys chosen to alternate the highly demanding role, sharing the spotlight with Rafferty Smale from Leigh-on-Sea, Spencer Collins from California, and William Gurney from Berkshire.

The announcement brings a major hometown angle to the production’s upcoming festive residency at the Palace Theatre Manchester, where the award-winning musical will play from 2 December 2026 to 9 January 2027.

The production marks the show’s first major UK tour and return to the West End in over a decade. 

After launching at the Sunderland Empire in November 2026, the tour arrives in Manchester for a prime Christmas run before heading to the Edinburgh Playhouse and opening a limited West End season at London’s Adelphi Theatre from 12 February to 31 July 2027.

From Stockport to Global Stage Champion

Noah’s selection as the lead character mirrors the narrative of the production itself, tracking a spectacular rise driven by raw talent. 

Having loved singing and dancing from a very early age, Noah initially explored various recreational activities, including gymnastics and tennis, before focusing his efforts at a local dance school.

His competitive journey began unexpectedly when he auditioned for his school’s competition team, turning up barefoot with no formal expectations. 

His natural stage presence, technical flair, and innate talent immediately caught the attention of selectors, earning him an immediate spot on the squad. 

At just nine years old, Noah commenced rigorous, disciplined training spanning ballet, tap, modern, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, acro, and vocal performance, achieving rapid regional success in both solo and group categories.

By 2025, with only two years of competitive dance experience under his belt, the Stockport youngster proudly represented England on the international stage at both the Dance World Cup and the Global Dance Open. 

His performances secured multiple medals and culminated in him being crowned a Global World Champion. 

When not in intense rehearsals, Noah is highly creative, enjoys drawing, listens to artists such as Sienna Spiro, Olivia Dean, and Bruno Mars, and loves walking his family dog, Rafa, through the local countryside.

A Landmark Revival with Original Elements

The production also features the return of original Olivier Award-winning star Liam Mower, who will portray ‘Older Billy.’ 

Liam made history as one of the three young boys who originally created the title role when the musical first opened in London in 2005. 

Since 2011, he has enjoyed a distinguished career as a core dancer with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures company, appearing in iconic productions like Swan Lake, Edward Scissorhands, and The Midnight Bell.

The show is set in a northern mining town against the background of the 1984/’85 miners’ strike and follows Billy’s journey from the boxing ring to the ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever. 

Further touring dates and full casting are to be announced soon.

Tickets are available here.

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