The three stars of the hit musical ‘Billy Elliot’ enjoyed some downtime from their busy touring schedule earlier today with a visit to the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham.

Haydn May, Emile Gooding and Lewis Smallman (who, alongside co-star Addam Abbou, alternate the principal role of ‘Billy Elliot’ on UK Tour) were joined by their fellow young cast mates for a morning of underwater exploration at the popular family aquarium.

The boys also found time to showcase some of their signature moves in the 360 degree ocean tunnel….

 ‘It’s great that the National SEA LIFE Centre is on the top of everyone’s list when they visit Birmingham,’ says Chris Coventry. ‘The cast had a fantastic morning exploring the attraction and were particularly mesmerised by our cheeky gentoo penguins and Mo our giant green sea turtle in our 360 degree Ocean tunnel’

Laura Smith, Head of Communications at Birmingham Hippodrome, added ‘It’s great to see the young cast of Billy Elliot out and about enjoying their time in our city. All of our young cast work incredibly hard to produce such an amazing show night after night so it was lovely to see them enjoying some well-earned downtime between shows over Easter. Needless to say, our Billys attracted plenty of attention on their visit and wasted no time showing off their steps to the resident population of giant stingrays, penguins and sharks!”

Seen by almost 11 million people worldwide, Billy Elliot the Musical is set in a northern mining town against the background of the 1984/85 miners’ strike and follows Billy’s journey from boxing to ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.

Billy Elliot the Musical is brought to life by the multiple award-winning creative team behind the hit film including writer Lee Hall (book and lyrics), director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling, and musical superstar Elton John who composed the show’s score.

Billy Elliot the Musical runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Sat 29 April 2017. Performance times: Mon-Sat eves 7.30pm, Sat Mats 2.30pm, Thurs Mats 2pm. Tickets are priced from £25.  Purchase online at www.birminghamhippodrome.com or telephone 0844 338 5000. A 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person) postage from £1. Phone calls from 4.5p per minute. Prices and discounting subject to change.