Note: Joshua’s final performance as Billy in the Melbourne production of Billy Elliot the Musical (BETM) was on 12-Jun-2009.
Debut: 20-Jun-2008 (Sydney)
Total Performances as Billy: Unknown (Unreported data from the period he was Billy) Recorded data: 38 (No partial shows)
Joshua Waiss Gates was 11-years-old (D.O.B. = 29-Oct-1996) when he debuted as Billy in the Sydney production of BETM. He is from Hobart in Tasmania.
Joshua started dancing when he was just five-years-old at the House of Dance, in Hobart, where he learned tap, jazz and ballet. Then, when he turned six, he began singing lessons with Robin Short.
In 2006, Joshua was an understudy for the role of ‘Young Peter’ in the play The Boy From Oz, which starred Hugh Jackman. The experience of working on that show was what made Joshua realize that he wanted to continue working in musical theatre.
After auditioning for BETM, Joshua was thrilled to find out that he had won the lead role – “When I found out that I was going to be a Billy Elliot I was so excited. It’s an experience I’m looking forward to very much.”
His debut performance came on 20-Jun-2008, and he became the sixth Billy in Sydney, and the 21st Billy worldwide. Throughout his time in the show, Joshua was loved by audiences for his excellent singing voice, and his strong ballet ability.
As the Australian production came to an end, so did Joshua’s tenure as Billy, and he gave his last performance in Melbourne on 12-Jun-2009.
Post Billy Activities
Note: Joshua Waiss Gates is now known as Josh Gates.
Josh Gates – photo is from his current employer, Opera Australia After finishing in BETM, Josh went on to study performing arts as a full-time student at Patrick Studios Australia in Port Melbourne, Victoria.
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Josh’s first stage production after leaving school was in 2014 when he performed in La Cage Aux Folles.
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Josh then joined Opera Australia as an artist and appeared as a Purser in the Australian Tour of Anything Goes in 2015. His next project with them is their 2016 production of My Fair Lady at the Sydney Opera House, which is directed by Julie Andrews.
For more information about Joshua Waiss Gates visit:
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