A lovely evening out tonight to see the musical Billy Elliot staged in Stockport Plaza. A wonderful show. Many laughs, many smiles, a lot of great dancing and acting from the cast, and brilliant music from the music group meant that all in all it was a wonderful performance.
I wondered before I went tonight if seeing all the young people dancing would be in any way upsetting for me, because it’s been so long since I was able to dance due to my spine/leg issues. And I do miss it sometimes. But I’m happy to say that I don’t feel at all upset. Rather, I feel fantastic. It was lovely to watch. Lovely to feel the emotion of others, and see them expressing themselves through their character roles.
The very lovely, very camp Michael dancing and singing in his mum’s dresses and collecting dolls, was absolutely fabulous. And as the cast came out to bow at the end of the show, each person, male and female, came out in a tutu. And that was a brilliant site. All the lads in mining gear with tutus coming up front to deliberately slow, fairy music, with big grins on their faces got everyone cheering.
Billy Elliot is a brilliant film, and show. Tonight, what was emphasised in my mind was first of all the importance of dance. Or rather, the importance of expressing yourself, of being yourself, whatever form that takes. In this instance, expression is in the form of dance. Secondly, there is absolutely nothing wrong with homosexuality. Created by the God of Love, we are who we are. Gay Bishops? Bring them on. Must they be celibate? Why ever would they need to be? And thirdly, it beats stereotypes. Can straight men do ballet? Well we’ve seen a charming, brilliant Billy dancing away. So why not?
I love Billy Elliot. If you’ve not seen it, shame on you! 
