Billy: Twirling Through Time at Watershed Bristol

Alt festive treat to play in central Bristol this year

A ‘vibrant’ and ‘nostalgic’ festive exploration of dance, Queer friendships and identity inspired by the film Billy Elliot, will be coming to the Watershed this December.

Billy: Twirling Through Time, sees creatives Tom Marshman and Ryan O’Shea team up for a ‘playful’ and ‘heartfelt’ performance inspired by the hit British film.

“Billy Elliot is my Mum’s favourite film,” Ryan O’Shea says. “I think watching it with her growing up meant I was unafraid to be my true queer self. There are lots of themes in the film that resonate with the LGBTQ+ community.”

“Billy would be 51 today if he were real, as he was 11 in 1984, the same age as me then,” Marshman adds.

“The film captures pivotal moments from our recent history, and mine too, revisiting it brings new layers of meaning and makes me think of what might have happened if I didn’t drop out of dance class.”

The challenges of aging in the world of dance is something that will also be explored. But both Marshman and O’Shea promise a lot of fun, including a mix of cheap wigs, even cheaper costumes bringing a show brimming with love and authenticity.

The show will also be calling at Gloucester Guildhall, Pound Arts Centre Corsham, Proud Bar Weston Super Mare before settling in Bristol for Christmas.

Billy: Twirling Through Time will be at the Watershed 20 – 28 December 2024

For more information or to book, visit: https://www.watershed.co.uk/whatson/13007/billy-twirling-through-time

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