Hi there,

Which of the above two productions do you recommend? I can only see one.

Thanks

I know nothing about the production, but I know both stories. The movie Billy Elliott is one of the most beautiful movies I've seen, especially the wrench-your-heart-out ending that I must count as the best movie ending of ALL TIME.

I'd vote for BE just because the story has so much heart.

Billy Elliott. I have not seen Mary Poppins but BE is one of the best plays I have seen in years. Fantastic story, singing, dancing. The kids were amazing.

I saw both of these shows in April. I enjoyed them so much, it causes me pain to choose between them. By a very slim margin I'll go w/Billy Elliot, unless you are traveling w/kids, then see Mary Poppins. The reason I bring up kids is not because MP is ONLY for kids, it can be enjoyed by all ages. I mention this because BE has a bit of bad language and the story will be harder for a child to understand. You won't go wrong either way, but if it's adults or older teens only, then BE. And as niblette says, the child performers are amazing.

A 60 year old chap from London, who is a BIG soccer fan, and has CHELSEA tattooed on his chest.....went to see B.E. (dragged by his wife).
He told me that if someone had a free tix to either B.E. or to a Chelsea game....he'd go back to see BE !!!!!!!

He also said that the play had a different emphasis than the movie, both of which were good.

They're both great but if I were forced against the wall if you can only see one of them...I would probably give a paper thin edge to Mary Poppins. You can go in and enjoy Mary Poppins for what it is and really need no background.

To really appreciate Billy Elliot, it is very helpful to have some understanding of the times and the bitterness that was present during the time especially towards the government and Maggie Thatcher. Also the accents are very very heavy and despite the fact I have been to England many times, there are still some words and nuances I missed (nothing that would destroy the play totally but something to be aware of).

Whatever you decide to see, please come back and share your review. Inquiring minds . . .

Thank you everyone for your replies,

After much consideration, I have ordered tickets to see Billy Elliot.

I had read the critics reviews of both shows and really couldn't decide, si I wanted some opinions from others, particularly those who had seen either or both shows.

Thanks again for your responses. They are greatly appreciated and I will be sure to post a review.

You will enjoy BE immensely. My only complaint about this show is that I felt so uplifted, it was hard to sleep that night.

No son of mine would be allowed to see Billy Elliott!
My Dad wouldn't see it!
His Dad before him wouldn't see it!

<<No son of mine would be allowed to see Billy Elliott!
My Dad wouldn't see it!
His Dad before him wouldn't see it!>>



Geordie

What about the dad before that? How many generations shall we go back?

You can't lose with either one and I think you made the right decision. I don't know where you live, but if you live in the US, Mary Poppins will be coming to Broadway in the fall and I'd be willing to bet dollars to donuts a national tour will be announced soon thereafter. So if you live by a city that normally gets national tours, you can see Mary Poppins at home soon.

There are no immediate plans to bring Billy Elliot over yet so I'd see Billy Elliot.

I have tickets for "Billy Elliott" in September; I've seen "Poppins" and as delightful as it may be for some I thought the diction was deplorable so I think you made the right decision.