Poignant, engaging, emotional, communities broken, heart rendering, violence and hatred, families torn apart, were just some of the things I was thinking as I watched the outstanding opening night of Billy Elliot in Bristol.

Back to the dark days of the miners strike in the mid-1980's set in the North East and the devasting impact Thatcherism was having on the coal industry across the country.

Generation after generation had worked down the pit but here in Easington a young 11 year old lad against all the odds breaks the mould.

The family already struggling to cope following the death of his mother, his father and brother are both on strike and finding it almost impossible to make ends meet in this arrogant, male dominated environment Billy is forced to attend boxing classes... however these do not last long when he inadvertently finds himself in a girls ballet class, encouaged and supported by the forthright and dynamic Mrs Wilkinson his future is about to change forever.

Billy was played by local boy Haydn May who trains at the Dorothy Coleburn School of Dancing a hugely talented dancer and gymnast who is one of four young people rotating the role on the UK tour.

His best friend the wonderful charismatic and eneregtic cross dressing Michael (Henry Farmer) lit up the stage every time he appeared - one of the shows many highlights is their giant dress routine.

This is a must see production that has it all - fabulous choreography, a brilliant set, creative and imaginative lighting, a wonderful cast special recognition must be given to all of the children for the quality of their performance all ably supported by a live orchestra led by musical director Patrick Hurley.

Runs until Saturday, 26 November.