Meet the new generation of Billys as they dance their way to original Billy Elliot’s old stomping ground.

“It’s really cool being here, like stepping into the film,” say the stars of Billy Elliot as a new tour of the hit musical opens right here in Sunderland.

Cast members from the stage production of Billy Elliot pictured during filming at locations used in the film Picture: David Wood | David Wood

placeholder image — Cast members from the stage production of Billy Elliot pictured during filming at locations used in the film Picture: David Wood | David Wood

With much of the hit 2000 film shot in Easington Colliery, which doubles as the fictional town of Everington, Sunderland Empire is the nearest big theatre to the home of Billy Elliot.

The musical version of the tale of a boy who dances his way to a new life amidst the backdrop of the 1984/’85 Miners’ Strike hasn’t toured for 10 years.

But now it’s back - with a new generation of Billys donning their ballet shoes.

The role is shared by four young actors - Noah Mannion, 13, from Stockport, Rafferty Smale, 12, from Leigh-on-Sea, Spencer Collins, 13, from California and William Gurney, 13, from Berkshire.

Noah Mannion performing the famous Billy jump at the back of Angus Street, Easington Colliery | Picture by David Wood

Ahead of the show’s four-week run at Sunderland Empire, which opens on November 4, all four headed to Easington Colliery to follow in the footsteps of Jamie Bell who brought the role to life in the film.

Although the street where Billy lived in the film, Andrew Street, has since been demolished, plenty of streets still remain including Angus Street, Ashton Street, Londonderry Terrace and Crawlaw Avenue.

We met the four Billys at Easington Social Welfare Centre where they enjoyed practising their Billy dance moves on the sprung floor.

William Gurney, Rafferty Smale, Spencer Collins and Noah Mannion walking down Angus Street from the film. | Picture by David Wood

Spencer said: “It’s like we’re stepping into the film through the screen because it looks almost identical to how it was in the film. It feels quite surreal to be recreating scenes that Jamie Bell did in the movie, which inspired the whole musical.

“I actually watched the film again last night to remind myself of where everything took place and I’ve also watched the musical during the auditions for inspiration.”

Noah said: “We’ve worked so hard, rehearsing for 21 weeks, so it will be nice to perform for an audience now. It’s a really fun show to be in, one minute you can be laughing, the next crying.”

Recreating the angry dance scene from the film | David Wood

And on sharing the role, he said: “I think it’s really nice because we all get along so well, we’re all kind of like brothers. We also take inspiration from how others do the role.”

Geordie actor Deka Walmsley returns to the role of Billy’s Dad, having played the part to great acclaim in both the West End production and on screen in Billy Elliot the Musical Live.

Speaking about what appealed about returning to the role, he said: “Because it’s brilliant, there’s no two ways about it. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever been in.

“There’s two of my favourite productions I’ve done - Billy Elliot and The Pitmen Painters - and they’re both written by Lee Hall.”

The four Billys and Dad: Rafferty Smale, Noah Mannion, Deka Walmsley, Spencer Collins and William Gurney. | Picture by David Wood

He added: “I also thought it would be interesting to come back as I’ve had two more children since I finished the role. I loved being part of Billy Elliot so much and the family aspect of it. I think the story of a kid trying to discover himself and a dad trying to learn how to love his son again is so universal.”

Deka has been deep in rehearsals and tech for the show, rehearsing each scene four times with each of the Billys and says he’s been amazed by their talent, skill and confidence.

Speaking about opening the new tour in Sunderland, he said: “It’s a show that belongs to the North East. It’s a universal story, no doubt about it, but there’s an extra layer of engagement if you’re from the North East so it’s really important to open here.”

*Billy Elliot the Musical is at Sunderland Empire from November 4-28. Tickets from atgtickets.com