Note: Eito Ishiguro’s final show as Billy in the Japanese production of Billy Elliot the Musical (BETM) in Tokyo and Osaka was on November 23, 2024.
Debut: July 31, 2024 (Tokyo, Japan)
Total Performances as Billy: 36 (No partial shows)
Eito Ishiguro was 11 years old (born September 2012) when he debuted as Billy in the 2024 Japan production of BETM at the Brillia Theatre in Tokyo.
Eito started ballet when he was just three years old. In 2023, he studied abroad at the Monaco Royal Princess Grace Academy. Eito’s successes in ballet competitions include first place in the 2023 NBA National Ballet Competition and first place in the 2023 YBC Ballet Competition.
Eito describes how he came to play the role of Billy: “When I saw the premiere and the revival, Billy’s energy was so contagious that I felt like, ‘I want to do it too!’ At the audition, I tried to stay positive and give it my all. When I passed the audition, I felt so great, and the photo shoots and interviews started right away, and I couldn’t stop feeling excited.”
Prior to the production opening, a press event was held at which the cast performed a few numbers from the show. Eito played Billy in both “Shine” and “The Stars Look Down”. The performance of the latter can be seen here:
Credit: Video by ホリプロステージ Horipro Stage
With his debut performance as Billy on 31-Jul-2024, Eito becomes the 13th Billy in Japan and the 361st worldwide to perform in a professional, regional or community theatre production of BETM.
For more information about Eito visit:
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