Note: Brad’s final performance as Billy in London was November 26, 2009
Debut: December 1, 2008 (London)
Total Performances as Billy: Unknown (Unreported data from the period he was Billy) (Recorded data: 75.25 — includes 4 partial shows credited @ .5 ea + 1 partial show credited @ .25)
From Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England, Brad was 12/13 years of age when he was Billy at the Victoria Palace Theatre.
He began dancing at the age of nine at a couple of local dance schools, where he studied a variety of dance styles including ballet, tap, modern and contemporary. He had been dancing for just a year when he was talent-spotted by the Billy Elliot youth casting people at a dance show.
Several auditions in London followed before he began training four nights a week in Leeds, where he participated in the intense “Billy School” training program for two years preparing for the role.
Brad debuted on the West End on December 1, 2008. He was 12 years old. At the time, much was made of the fact that he was the 19th boy to play the role on the West End and the 30th to do so world-wide. Now, one would think that sort of loses him among the masses, so to speak. But as have all the boys who have played Billy, Brad has managed to put his unique mark on the role. He earned much praise for his graceful dancing and sensitive interpretation of the character from the thousands who have seen him perform at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre over the nine months he was Billy.
In a video that is part of the “We Are Billy Elliot” series produced by of Billy Elliot the Musical – London, Brad talks about the role and what it takes to be a Billy on the West End:
http://https://youtu.be/GZtCyGcIx-8
Credit: Video by WestEndTheatre
Brad’s last show was on October 31, 2009 after 10 months of playing Billy Elliot.
Because of the intense theater/dance training program and the experience of headlining a hugely successful West End musical, like all Billys when they leave the show, one can expect a bright future in entertainment for Brad Wilson, should he chose to pursue such a path.
Note: Despite having an official “last show” on October 31st, Brad did several additional performances as Billy on the VPT stage, during the holiday season of 2009.
For more information on Brad Wilson visit:
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