Elton John inspired by 'Billy Elliott'

Elton John was among the famous names who turned out to wish 'Billy Elliot' a happy fifth anniversary.

The musical version of the successful 2000 film opened in London in 2005 and many of the 22 former Billys returned to the Victoria Palace theatre to wish the show continued success.

John, who composed the show's music, said as he went into the theatre: "Obviously you want to write the best thing you can.

"The story was so emotional anyway."

Asked about the milestone, he said: "I feel very young and inspired."

John, the show's creator Lee Hall and director Stephen Daldry took to the stage to welcome the audience to last night's special performance.

The pop superstar said his partner David Furnish had suggested the story would make a "great musical" when they first saw the film version in Cannes in 2000.

"I stole all the glory," he added.

John wrote the musical's songs with Hall who he demanded write the lyrics.

"I didn't have to alter one of the lyrics in the songs, they were that good," he said.

John said it was a "remarkable show" which had "a life of its own".

"It's not even about Billy, it's about the miners. What they went through," he said.

Daldry told the audience: "When we first started performing this show I really didn't think we'd get through the end of the week."

He said watching the young Billys grow up had been "the most moving experience of our lives".

Speaking before the performance, Hall said he had no idea of the success which would follow when he came up with the story 13 years ago.

"I thought nobody would want to watch anything about boy ballet dancers.

"It's a real shock to have five years here in the West End given the economic climate.

"It's like a miracle."

Tim Healy, who played Billy's father when the show opened five years ago, and Haydn Gwynne, the original stage Mrs Wilkinson, were in the audience for last night's show which starred Tom Holland, 13, as Billy.

Holland, from Kingston-upon-Thames, received a standing ovation for his performance of 'Electricity'.

The show ended with a special performance by 19 past, present and future Billys - who are in training for the role - all wearing white T-shirts with Billy in bold black lettering.

After the show ended, Healy said: "It was wonderful. It's one of these shows that will last forever. The kids are just extraordinary.

"It really moved me and made me laugh. It was great fun. I loved it."

He said his own year in the show was something he would never forget, "a wonderful experience".

The celebrations continued with a party at the theatre for cast, crew and friends of the show.