Previews were pushed back to allow the 45 children in the cast more rehearsal time.
In anticipation of a long run and constant flow of young talent, the producers created the Billy Elliot Academy in Leeds to train performers.
In an attempt to make the rotating group of teenagers equal, it was not announced until showtime the names of those performing.
According to an article on Playbill.com dated March 8, 2005, Anne Rogers, who had been cast as Grandma, decided to leave the production a few days before opening night as the role had been cut down too much. The cast had been warned previously that the show was running long and that cuts would be made.
