The Best Audition Songs for Billy Elliot – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for Billy Elliot? Well unless you have specifically been asked to sing a song from the show that you’re auditioning for, it’s generally best not to. That said, you should still show off similar vocals and personality. So here’s our list of audition songs for Billy Elliot, broken down by character.
Since Billy Elliot is a 2000s musical, the following songs are from shows between the 1990s – 2010s. There are also lots of high-energy selections below to match the musical’s style.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more details, please see our full disclosure.
Step 1: Read your audition details
Please read your audition details carefully, as they sometimes specify the type of song they’d like to hear (a ballad, something contemporary, etc.). Make sure to select a song that’s appropriate for your specific casting call.
Step 2: Study the show
Before auditioning, you should get familiar with the show, and listening to the cast album is a great way to do that. Here’s where you can learn more about Billy Elliot.
Step 3: Pick an audition song
Next, based on your personality and vocal type, decide whether you’d like to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Just keep in mind that if you audition for a specific character, you still might not be chosen for that particular role.
There’s usually a spot on the audition form asking if you are open to being in the ensemble or accepting a different role. I would suggest ticking that box and taking whatever you are offered. Every role is important, and you will earn valuable experience in a show.
And on that same note, even if you audition for the ensemble (rather than a specific character), there’s always a chance of being cast in a leading or supporting role!
To summarize, keep an open mind and try not to take the process too seriously. And when you’re ready, choose the song that you feel most comfortable with from the list below.
Billy Elliot
“A Letter From Charlie Bucket” – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
“Quiet” – Matilda
“Round-Shouldered Man” – The Secret Garden
“When I Grow Up” – Matilda
Dad
“Come to an Agreement” – Honeymoon in Vegas [first half]
“Endless Night” – The Lion King
“Night Will Come” – Groundhog Day
“The Cuddles Mary Gave” – A Man of No Importance
Debbie Wilkinson
“Almost Nearly Perfect” – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
“Naughty” – Matilda
“The Girl I Mean to Be” – The Secret Garden
Grandma
“Days of Plenty” – Little Women
“Here Within These Walls” – Sister Act
“Nice” – It Shoulda Been You
“What They Never Tell You” – It Shoulda Been You
Michael
“I Like It” – A Bronx Tale
“Maybe He Likes Me” – The Man in the Ceiling
“Picture Show” – Bonnie & Clyde
“When I Get My Name in Lights” – The Boy From Oz
Mrs. Wilkinson
“If I Had a Fine White Horse” – The Secret Garden
“It’s a Privilege to Pee” – Urinetown
“Loud” – Matilda
“The Burden of Life” – A Man of No Importance
Tony
“Adrian” – Rocky
“Keep on Standing” – Rocky
“My Nose Ain’t Broken” – Rocky
“Why” – Tick, Tick … Boom!
Ensemble (Altos)
“Can You Find It In Your Heart?” – Footloose
“I Know the Truth” – Aida
“Raining” – Rocky
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Charlie’s Soliloquy” – Kinky Boots
“Christmas Is My Favorite Time of Year” – Catch Me If You Can
“Love Who You Love” – A Man of No Importance
Ensemble (Basses)
“Everything About You” – Groundhog Day
“We Look to You” – The Prom
“Welcome to the World” – A Man of No Importance
Ensemble (Contras)
“I Dreamed a Dance” – Next to Normal
“Step One” – Kinky Boots
“Tell Me Why” – A Man of No Importance
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzo-Sopranos)
“Around the World” – Grey Gardens
“Smash the Mirror” – Tommy
“With You” – Ghost
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“Here at Horace Green” – School of Rock
“If This Is What We’re Fighting For” – The Beautiful Game
“Princess” – A Man of No Importance
Ensemble (Tenors)
“See Her Smile” – Tick, Tick … Boom!
“Soul of a Man” – Kinky Boots
“Winter’s on the Wing” – The Secret Garden
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Billy Elliot:
• “Eggs in a Basket” in 48 Monologues for Kids➝
• “Moon Man Walk” in The Best Men’s Monologues from New Plays, 2019➝
• “Picture Show Video” in Audition Arsenal for Women in Their 20s➝
• “That’s All I Got➝” from Other Desert Cities (Trip)
• “We’ll Figure It Out” in Monologues for Kids and Tweens➝
Final Step: Audition Prep
Once you’ve gathered your materials and studied the show, it’s time to focus on the preparation. Need guidance? Download this FREE audition prep checklist to stay on track!
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!
Billy Elliot Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Billy Elliot, along with which characters sing in each of them. Unless you have been asked to, do not choose from the below songs for your audition! The following is more intended to be used for character research purposes.
* That said, if you’ve specifically been asked to sing a song from the show, you can find the sheet music for the best possible audition songs below.
Act 1:
“The Stars Look Down” – Billy, Company
“Shine” – Mrs. Wilkinson, Billy, Ensemble
“Grandma’s Song” – Grandma
“Solidarity” – Mrs. Wilkinson, Billy, Ensemble
“Expressing Yourself” – Billy, Michael, Ensemble
“The Letter” – Mrs. Wilkinson, Mum, Billy
“Born to Boogie” – Mrs. Wilkinson, Billy
Act 2:
“Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher” – Tony, Ensemble
“Deep Into the Ground” – Dad
“He Could Be a Star” – Dad, Tony
“Electricity” – Billy
“Once We Were Kings” – Company
“The Letter (Reprise)” – Mum, Billy
“Finale” – Company
Which of these audition songs for Billy Elliot did you choose?
And what role are you auditioning for? We would love to hear all about it in the comments! And in the meantime, you can check out our database of best audition songs for other musicals.
Need extra help? Just go through this free audition prep checklist!
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. She holds a BA in theatre and a TESOL drama certificate, with experience working and interning in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
Do you have any song preferences for Tony Billy’s older brother ?
Hi Nick! I just added some audition song ideas for Tony for ya. I hope one of them feels good on your voice! 🙂