When Billy Elliot the Musical came to Australia 10 years ago, Drew Livingston watched acclaimed actor Justin Smith play Billy's hot-headed brother Tony, and thought "gee, I would love to play that role one day."
Fast forward a decade, and the Lapstone actor has been cast in that same role, with Smith playing Billy's dad.
"It's crazy that 10 years later that's come around," Livingston said.
He's relieved he won't be expected to do any tap or ballet dancing - "that's not my bag" - it'll mostly be acting with some singing.
Tony is a passionate union man, who is not keen on his brother's interest in ballet at all.
"It's great to play a character that has so much passion and commitment during a turbulent and exciting time. As an actor you can sink your teeth into the role," the 33-year-old said.
"The role itself is appealing and the story itself of belonging and acceptance, any actor would like a show like Billy Elliot and want to be part of it."
Based on the film of the same name, Billy Elliot the Musical is a funny, gritty, heart-warming and feel-good celebration following the journey of a young boy raised in a small British mining town. Set against the backdrop of the 1984-85 miners' strike, Billy's journey takes him out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family, the whole community and changes his life forever.
Livingston has older brothers - "I'm the Billy Elliot of our family" he jokes. "I went into doing creative things."
Livingston and composer wife Naomi, have a young family, including a daughter who started this year at Lapstone Public. With rehearsals and a national tour, he'll have work for almost a year.
"I'll have to go off and Nay [Naomi] stays behind and holds the fort. There will be little bits of time off in between cities and school holidays. It's great in that sense and Melbourne's pretty easy to travel from," Livingston said.
He's in awe of the four boys who have been cast as Billy - Omar Abiad (12, from Brisbane), River Mardesic (10, from Melbourne), Wade Neilsen (12, from Newcastle) and Jamie Rogers (12, from Canberra).
"The stuff these kids have to do is incredible. To dance so well at that age, clearly they have a lot of talent," Livingston said.
Featuring music by Elton John, Billy Elliot the Musical has been seen by more than 12 million people worldwide. Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, it's the recipient of 85 awards internationally, including 10 Tony Awards, five Olivier Awards and eight Helpmann Awards.
The Australian 10-year anniversary tour will premiere at Sydney Lyric Theatre from October 10, followed by seasons in Adelaide from December, then Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane next year.