BILLY Youth Theatre is a new initiative that enables schools and youth groups to present a shorter version of Billy Elliot, in a nationwide project that will culminate in a West End gala in July.

Ryedale Youth Theatre’s production is the first off the mark in our region, to be followed by York Stage Musicals in June and a production in Scarborough. On the evidence of Angela Kirkham’s exhilarating show this week, the London producers are to be congratulated on their foresight in opening up this wonderful Lee Hall and Elton John musical for young companies.

Youth theatre is always a fertile territory for big-scale shows, but to see Lewis Danby’s Billy leaping through the air in the Milton Rooms is doubly exciting because this musical has been the preserve of London, Broadway, Chicago, Sydney and Melbourne until now.

For 12-year-old Lewis, from Pickering, the chance to play miner’s son Billy is a dream come true, after his hopes of appearing in the West End were dashed by a dislocated elbow. His training at the Billy Elliot School in Leeds, as well as with Angela Kirkham in Malton, shines through his performance. His dancing is a joy, expressive and full of character and drama, especially in the exhausting tap-dancing of Angry Dance, the closing number of the first half. His acting is promising too, equally adept in moments of sadness and humour, and no doubt he will work on his singing voice.

Angela Kirkham’s skill as director and choreographer finds her surmounting the problem of squeezing so many young performers on the compact stage by imbuing the ensemble with lashings of energy and discipline too.

She also pays great attention to the north eastern accents, both in the dialogue and in the songs (given plenty of pep by musical director Martin Dixon and his band) .

Lewis Danby may have the spotlight but others shine too, especially Chloe Shipley in her last show for RYT before moving on to theatrical pastures new at 19. She brings authority, sassy spirit and northern bluntness to heavy-smoking dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson, while Oliver Fearn is a scream as Michael, the boy with a fascination with girls’ clothing and tutus, particularly in the Dancing Dresses number with Billy.

Esme Suter amuses as the batty Grandma; Felicity Barker sings prettily as the comforting spectral presence of Billy’s Dead Mum and strong support comes from Josh Milner as Dad and Adam Hymas as Billy’s brother Tony, two of the miners caught up in the strike that defined Margaret Thatcher’s years in power.

What makes Billy Elliot stand out, as with Brassed Off, is defiance through not only striking but artistic expression, and on the eve of another General Election, the opening video footage of Scargill and Thatcher has you wondering once more what lies in store, whatever your political colours.

Billy Elliot The Musical, Ryedale Youth Theatre/Kirkham Henry Performing Arts, Milton Rooms, Malton, until Saturday. Box office: 01653 600048