A YOUNG dancer from Chelmsford has landed the lead role in the hit West End musical Billy Elliot.
Ollie Jochim, 12, who is the show's 38th Billy Elliot since its launch nearly 10 years ago and will share the role with four others, took to the stage for the first time last Monday (July 14).
"I was so overjoyed when I found out I got the part and now I am living my dream," said Ollie, a former Essex Dance Theatre member.
"A couple of years ago my mum took me to see Billy Elliot the Musical and when I saw it I knew I wanted to be Billy.
"After my first audition, I got a call back, and in the call back I think there were 20 boys. They chose six for summer school, I then got the part and started training in January."
Set in a northern mining town, against the background of the 1984/85 miners' strike, Billy Elliot chronicles the story of a young boy's struggle against the odds to make his dream come true.
Billy stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life.
Ollie's own life has changed as much as Billy's now he is performing in a show that has now been seen by over nine million people and features music from Sir Elton John.
The talented young dancer's incredible journey to stardom all began on YouTube.
"I have always loved dancing. When I was younger I used to teach myself to dance from Michael Jackson YouTube videos," he said.
"I joined the Essex Dance Theatre in Chelmsford when I was nine to learn ballet, tap and modern and later joined their performance group."
Ollie is in no doubt whatsoever regarding his favourite part of the production. He said: "My favourite part is probably Electricity (a song by Elton John) as you get to show off all your skills. It's also fun because while it's technically very hard, you get a lot of adrenaline through it."
The musical will be shown live at cinemas across the UK and the rest of the world on Sunday, September 28 at 2pm, as it prepares to celebrate its 10th birthday in May next year.
Over 375,000 tickets were released for sale on the night of Ollie's first performance, and bookings are being taken for the show at the Victoria Palace Theatre until the show's run ends on Saturday, December 19, 2015.
For tickets call 020 7492 1532.
