Matthew gets ready for his Billy big night

And it’s a huge night for Leeds lad Matthew Lyons, 11, who will be one of four boys sharing the role over its extended run at Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre, the only Yorkshire date.

The Yeadon youngster said earlier of taking on the central role: “I’m so proud and pleased to be part of the ‘family’.”

Matthew admitted he hadn’t even heard of the original hit movie and its rousing story, “but then my teacher got me the DVD of the film, and I was hooked instantly. I realised that it was what I wanted to do more than anything else in the world.” Visit http://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/billy-elliot#scr-booking for tickets.