IF you get the chance don’t miss going to see the musical Billy Elliot at Manchester’s Palace Theatre.

You might remember from the hit film that this is the story of a young Geordie boy who wants to be a ballet dancer. This unlikely ambition at the time is set in the North-east in the 1980s when the coal miners’ strike divided families and the country.

In the film, Julie Walters played the part of Mrs Wilkinson, the dogged dancing teacher who recognised the skills of the boy, and in the musical this falls to talented Annette McLaughlin who captures the spirit completely.

This, however, is a story that literally makes you laugh and cry in equal measure – all the time entertained by fabulous dancing and the iconic music written by Elton John.

There’s nothing frothy, twee or schmaltzy about this musical. Gritty, tough and compelling are words that come to mind. But, along with the undoubted dazzling talent here, it’s a show to make you think and very life-affirming.