ELTON JOHN - ELLIOT MUSICAL FACING DIFFICULTIES WITH NORTH DEBUT

Plans for the stage production of the SIR ELTON JOHN's scored musical BILLY ELLIOT to open in Newcastle, England, have run into difficulties.

Based on the 2000 hit film, the musical, due to open in North England on 29 November (04) before transferring to London, has met various obstacles including the agreed venue.

A source explains, "The fact that the intended venue, the NEWCASTLE OPERA HOUSE, went into administration a few weeks ago was the first problem.

"But there has been so much money spent on pre-production that they couldn't have afforded to put it on there anyway.

"They even had a special school for all the young actors."

Director STEPHEN DALDRY adds, "We wanted to open in Newcastle because of the association the story has with the area, but, yes, for practical and financial reasons, it is looking dicey, which is a real shame."