Billy Elliot - still moving London theatre fans after FIVE glorious years and still better than ever!
Billy Elliot is one of those musicals that hardly needs an introduction, so ingrained is the story on the nation's consciousness.
It began life back in 2000 after writer Lee Hall penned a film about an 11-year-old boy who discovers that he has a penchant for ballet. However, in the small mining community from which he hails, this is seen as no pursuit for a young lad.
Despite this prejudice from the townsfolk - including his father - Billy continues to take lessons in secret with the help of his dedicated dance teacher. When Billy's father sees his son's obvious talent, he relents and Billy is free to win a place at the Royal Ballet and pursue his dream.
Billy Elliot produced a fantastic response from the UK public and the story was adapted into a musical in 2005 to critical acclaim.
It went on to open in Broadway in 2008 and scooped a record ten Tony awards earlier this year.
So what is it that people enjoy so much about Billy Elliot?
Both critics and audience members have praised Billy Elliot for its warm-hearted storyline.
Critics seem to be in agreement that it is the musical's moving story of ultimate success against the odds that make it so great.
Charles Spencer of the Telegraph called it "big and bold, imaginative and great-hearted" and unashamedly said he left the theatre after seeing it for the first time "in a mist of tears and joy".
Meanwhile, Quentin Letts of the Daily Mail said the show is sure to send audiences home "high with hope", adding that the score by Elton John makes for some "stonking" and memorable songs.
More than four years on, Billy Elliot shows no sign of declining in popularity in London's West End. Still showing at the Victoria Palace Theatre, the musical was recently ranked alongside milestones like the invention of the iPod, YouTube and BBC One's Planet Earth in terms of its impact upon the British public during the Noughties by the Times.
It was the only musical to manage this feat, giving some indication of the high standing it has among British people.
Whether you've seen Billy Elliot or not, taking a loved one or family member along to the West End to share it with them could make for the perfect evening's entertainment - you may even discover a new-found passion for dance!