The story of Billy Elliot is an inspiration for all boys who dance, according to Ballarat performer Oscar Mulcahy.
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Oscar, 13, won the role of Billy's friend Michael in the Australian tour of Billy Elliot, which is currently playing at Melbourne's Regent Theatre, after an arduous audition process. He's also an understudy for the main role.
"I love the story and think every boy who dances can connect with the Billy journey. My role as Michael highlights that we should all express ourselves individually and be proud of who we are," the Ballarat Grammar student said.
"I love playing him every night I perform, he is such a wonderful character."
There are four boys who play Billy and four who play Michael with the child actors rotating through the eight performances each week.
It's not Oscar's first role in a big-budget production.
In 2016 he was young Charlie in Kinky Boots at Her Majesty's Melbourne, in 2017 he performed as an ensemble member in Peter Pan at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre, in 2017-2018 he was young Bobby/Dodd in Dream Lover at the State Theatre and in 2018-2019 the role of Mason in School of Rock at Her Majesty's was also his.
"I love the adrenalin rush of performing to audiences and the joy that comes from entertaining others. I love being able to be other characters, it's a real honour to be able to express other people's feelings through acting, singing and dancing," Oscar said.
"I don't think about the shows I have been in, whether in Ballarat, Melbourne or touring, as being different. I just love performing and being part of an entertainment family in all my shows."
The audition process for Billy Elliot went for months, beginning in 2018, and Oscar auditioned for the roles of Billy and Michael.
After auditions and call backs the potential young stars began training sessions three times a week and in March last year they all flew to Sydney for a final weekend of auditions.
Oscar admits he "dropped to the ground" when he found out he got the role of Michael.
"I think I was shocked and excited," he said.
Ballarat's rich history of performing arts got him started on his way to the big stage, performing at Royal South Street and in BLOC Theatre company productions.
Oscar started dancing when he was four, singing at seven and acting at eight and now trains in musical theatre at Centrestage Performing Arts School.
He has classical, contemporary, jazz, acro, tap and hip hop dance classes under his belt, and classical and contemporary singing.
"I loved watching my brother Alex and sister Ruby perform and I knew I just wanted to be like them. I really knew I wanted to be onstage after I performed my first BLOC show Mary Poppins at Her Majesty's Ballarat.
"I was lucky to get lots of local opportunities to perform at a young age with events like Royal South Street Dance and Singing Competitions and through the BLOC Theatre Company productions."
Billy Elliot plays at the Regent Theatre until April 18. Tickets are available at www.billyelliotthemusical.com.au
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