Billy

Synopsis

Billy, the musical, is based on the hilarious novel Billy Liar by Keith Waterhouse. It was adapted for the stage by those legends of comedy, Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, and the writing is strong and witty with the various northern characters very cleverly drawn. The accompanying John Barry score is full of variety, with plenty of toe-tapping numbers interspersed with rousing choruses and more lyrical songs. Set in 1960s Yorkshire, the plot follows working class dreamer Billy Fisher as he tries to cope with his less-than-understanding family, his dead-end job and his rapidly disintegrating love life. As Billy tries to juggle the demands of three totally different girlfriends and becomes more and more depressed by his dreary surroundings, he escapes into his fantasy land of Ambrosia. There he can become a much-decorated war hero, a successful script writer, talented film star or rock idol. But, given the opportunity he has always imagined, can Billy finally turn his fantasies into reality, or will his dreams prove to be too exciting to leave behind? This lively musical recreates both Billy's real life and his amazing fantasy world.