THEY'RE the four boys who are leaping into action as Billy Elliot.

The much-loved smash-hit musical pirouetted on to the stage at Mayflower Theatre this week and 12-year-old Haydn May, Emile Gooding, aged 11, and 13-year-olds Adam Abbou and Lewis Smallman are taking on the celebrated role.

The four boys, who come from across England, will alternate in the title role for the show, which follows the story of Billy’s journey from seriously bad boxer to prima ballerina in a poor mining town in the North East.

Set to the backdrop of the 80s miners strikes, Billy discovers a passion for dance that eventually inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.

Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, Billy Elliot the Musical has now been seen by nearly 11 million people across five continents and is the recipient of over 80 awards internationally, including ten Tony Awards and five Olivier Awards.

Emile, Adam, Lewis and Haydn were cast following nationwide auditions and have undergone months of intensive rehearsals ahead of the first ever UK tour.

Adam, who has trained in ballet, modern, jazz, tap and drama, said: "There were so many boys there and I had no idea if I was going to get picked. But I'm so happy.

"I've been having classes since I was two, but I started dancing properly when I was seven or eight. I like the Dream Ballet as it's one of the most challenging parts of the show."

English Youth Ballet member and gymnast Lewis added: "I had butterflies in my tummy as I thought it would be really scary, but it's not."

Haydn is loving his part in the show. "It's so exciting. You're full of adrenalin and it's not scary. It's not a bad feeling," he said.

Emile, who starred in Matilda in the West End and has performed at the Royal Albert Hall, added: "There aren't many boys who do ballet, but that's a good thing as you can be central to it all. There are never normally many boys at auditions, but it was very different for Billy!"

The foursome stopped traffic as they performed a dance sequence in front of Southampton's historic Bargate monument to show off their skills.

The boys are joined on stage by Law & Order: UK actress Annette McLaughlin who plays Mrs Wilkinson, Billy's dance teacher, in the show. Her many West End musical theatre credits include Mrs Wormwood in Matilda and Velma Kelly in Chicago.

It also stars Martin Walsh, from Sky 1's Rovers, as Billy's Dad. His other TV credits include Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey.

Les Miserables and Made in Dagenham actor Scott Garnham plays Tony and Andrea Miller, who has appeared in Sweeney Todd and Sister Act, is Grandma.

Billy Elliot is proving a huge hit in Southampton, but some tickets are still available for most nights of the four week run, which ends on Saturday March 4.

The press night for Billy Elliot takes place tonight. See tomorrow's Daily Echo for our review of the show.

Tickets: 023 8071 1811 or mayflower.org.uk

Profiles

Emile Gooding

Age: 11

From: Reading

Facts: Emile started dancing at the age of six and has won a number of local and national dance competitions, including the All-England Dance (2013). He appeared as Eric in Matilda in London and performed in an English National Ballet production of Swan Lake at the Royal Albert Hall last year.

Name: Adam Abbou,

Age: 13

From: Liverpool

Facts: Adam was third in the world in the Dance World Cup in Portugal in 2014. He has appeared in TV commercials for the NSPCC, Nike, 02, Boots and Co-op.

Name: Haydn May

Age: 12

From: Bath

Facts: Haydn competed for South West Gymnastics Team at the National Grades Finals in 2013. He played Michael in Peter Pan for UK Productions at Theatre Royal Bath in the same year.

Lewis Smallman

Age: 13

From: Birmingham

Facts: Lewis is a keen gymnast and has won various honours with Sandwell Flyers Gymnastics Academy. He has previously appeared in an English Youth Ballet production of Swan Lake.