THE smash-hit musical version of classic film Billy Elliot is staged at the Liverpool Empire as part of its current tour next month. 

The show – based on Lee Hall's hugely successful film and featuring music by Sir Elton John – is at the city centre venue from May 10 to 27.

Set in a northern mining town, against the background of the 1984/85 miners’ strike, it follows young Billy from the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community, changing his life forever.

The acclaimed show has been seen by a worldwide audience of nearly 11 million people and received more than 80 awards, including ten Tony Awards and five Olivier Awards. In total, 94 boys have played the iconic role on stage.

It is produced by the same award-winning team behind the film - including Lee Hall, who wrote the film, stage play and lyrics, director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and Sir Elton, who composed the show’s score.

Lee told the Globe this afternoon: "I think people would recognise the story more than they would in London, for example, which is why I’m very excited about the show being seen in Liverpool. There’s a very different feel in the audience.

“I grew up in the 1980s in the Northeast, which had similar issues to Liverpool at the time.

“Sadly, seeing the government at the moment, I don’t really think it’s changed”.

The film version, released in 2000, featured Jamie Bell and Adam Cooper as the young and older Billy and Julie Walters as dance teacher Sandra Wilkinson.

Lee continued: “Although I love the film, the show is a different beast.

“A lot of stuff was cut from the film, so I have been able to expand the musical as it is a good couple of hours long. We learn a bit more about the characters’ lives.

“It’s also got this fantastic music by Elton and the three kids playing Billy are also phenomenally good”.

Last year, the show celebrated its 10th birthday at the West End’s Victoria Palace Theatre, where it played its final performance after 4,600 performances.

It has also been staged across the Atlantic on Broadway, in Sydney, Melbourne, Chicago, Toronto, Holland, Seoul and South Korea.

Asked about the show’s success and enduring appeal, Lee said: “It’s like a big old-fashioned musical. The most amazing thing is that the film and musical are still hugely popular after all this time.

“It’s had such a long life and people are still moved.

“I wanted to write something that said something about people’s lives and I think I achieved that with Billy Elliot.

“It’s about the ordinary person’s struggle and working people, so I wanted to make it a show for everybody.

“I came from a family like Billy's, so it was a familiar story for me.

"In fact, I call it a fantasy autobiography.

"I can't sing or dance to save my life, never been able to, but the show is really a metaphor for my dad, who did not really understand what I wanted to do with my life.

"He did not understand at all, but accepted it".

Tickets for the Empire Theatre run are from 0844 871 3017 or atgtickets.com/Liverpool