Note: Mateo Tognolotti will be appearing as Billy in Billy Elliot the Musical (BETM) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, presented by Teatro Ópera, from May 27 to June 7, 2026.
Debut: May 29, 2026 (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Total Performances as Billy to Date: 0 (As of 30-Apr-2026)
Mateo Tognolotti was 14 years old (birthdate: 14-Dec-2011) when he debuted as Billy. He’s from the town of Magdalena, which is near La Plata, along the Atlantic Ocean coast of Argentina.
Mateo grew up surrounded by dance because his aunt teaches classical ballet and his mother instructs Spanish dance. So he’s been exposed to studios and classes from a very young age. In fact, Mateo says he’s been dancing “since he can remember” and dancing quickly became the center of his life.
He has prior musical theatre experience in Argentina including roles in Matilda (Eric) and School of Rock (Billy, the costume designer).
While he loves playing soccer (with his siblings and cousins) and rooting for the professional soccer team Club Atlético Independiente, Mateo ultimately chose dance over soccer. In a recent interview, he states, “he wants to continue in musical theatre and also work in television”.
When Mateo heard that BETM might arrive in Argentina, he intensified his training to be ready when auditions opened. Once a casting call was announced, he recorded an audition video with the help of his aunt and several teachers and submitted it. He advanced through several audition rounds and was finally named one of the five Billy Elliots for the show.
Mateo has described Billy as “a very beautiful character” and feels both the “joy and the pressure” of playing such a demanding lead at his age.
With his debut Mateo becomes the 397th performer to portray Billy Elliot on stage in a professional, regional or community theatre production of the musical.
For more information about Mateo, visit:
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