MORE than 1200 people turned out to watch Knutsford Academy’s latest production take over the Bexton Road stage.

Talented students performed an adaptation of ‘Billy Elliot The Musical’ over five nights last week from December 13 to 17, receiving excellent reviews with people saying it was the ‘best yet’ from the Academy.

A total of more than 50 students were involved in the production with the lead role Billy played by Year 10 student Zac Priestley.

In one moving scene Zac performed a dance routine that saw him rise 15ft in the air via a pulley system with former Academy student and professional dancer PJ Hurst.

Zac said: “The opportunity to play Billy is something I will never forget it was absolutely brilliant to be involved. I cannot thank enough for the support I received from all my fellow cast members, the support team and Miss Mayne and Mrs Scott.”

The musical follows the story of a young boy, Billy Elliot whose life is changed forever when he discovers an unexpected passion for dance.

It is set in the turbulent background of the 1984/5 miners’ strike when he is expected to become a miner like his brother and father.

Helen Mayne Head of Performing Arts at the Academy added: “We chose this newly released production, not only because it is a wonderful and moving story but also because we knew it would offer so many dance, singing and acting challenges for everyone.

“The students worked really hard over a four month period and we were absolutely delighted as to how they rose to and embraced this challenge and the performances they delivered.”

Councillor Neil Forbes, Tweeted: “Just back from seeing #BillyElliot the musical @Knutsfordac Wow. Fantastic.”