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 an early contemporary musical, the following songs are from the 1990s-2010s. In addition, there are lots of youthful and energetic vibes below in order to match the style of the show.

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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.

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Step 2: Get to know the show

In casting calls, they often ask for you to be “familiar with the show”. And even if it’s not requested, it’s generally assumed. One way to do this is to read through the synopsis while listening to the Billy Elliot cast album➝. Or you can watch the live recording of Billy Elliot➝.

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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 (and not a specific character), there’s always a chance you might get chosen for a leading/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.

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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

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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

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Debbie Wilkinson

“Almost Nearly Perfect” – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

“Naughty” – Matilda

“The Girl I Mean to Be” – The Secret Garden

“The Tree” – The Me Nobody Knows

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Grandma

“Here Within These Walls” – Sister Act

“Nice” – It Shoulda Been You

“The Cake I Had” – Grey Gardens

“What They Never Tell You” – It Shoulda Been You

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Michael

“I Like It” – A Bronx Tale

“Picture Show” – Bonnie & Clyde

“Think Positive” – Willy Wonka

“When I Get My Name in Lights” – The Boy from Oz

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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

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Tony

“Adrian” – Rocky

“Keep on Standing” – Rocky

“My Nose Ain’t Broken” – Rocky

“Why” – Tick, Tick … Boom!

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Ensemble (Altos)

“I Know the Truth” – Aida

“I’m Done” – Rocky

“Raining” – Rocky

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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

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Ensemble (Basses)

“Everything About You” – Groundhog Day

“We Look to You” – The Prom

“Welcome to the World” – A Man of No Importance

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Ensemble (Contras)

“I Dreamed a Dance” – Next to Normal

“Step One” – Kinky Boots

“Tell Me Why” – A Man of No Importance

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Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!

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Ensemble (Mezzos)

“Can You Find It In Your Heart?” – Footloose

“If This Is What We’re Fighting For” – The Beautiful Game

“Princess” – A Man of No Importance

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Ensemble (Sopranos)

“Almost Real” – The Bridges of Madison County

“Here at Horace Green” – School of Rock

“What Do You Call a Man Like That?” – The Bridges of Madison County

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Ensemble (Tenors)

“See Her Smile” – Tick, Tick … Boom!

“Soul of a Man” – Kinky Boots

“Winter’s on the Wing” – The Secret Garden

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Step 4: Select a monologue

If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Billy Elliot:

• “Eggs in a Basket” in The Acting Coach Approach: 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➝

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Final Step: Prepare for your audition

After collecting your materials and getting familiar with the show, it’s time to move forward with the actual preparation. If you’re in need of some guidance on this step, you can always go through this FREE audition prep checklist!

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Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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Need extra help? Just go through this free audition prep checklist!

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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 has a TESOL drama certificate, a BA in theatre, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.

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