Original subtitles

For over 70 years, miners of Durham County

have come together once a year

for their demonstration on Gala Day.

This was the first Durham rally since the pits were handed over to the people.

This year, one of the popular attractions was Mr Herbert Morrison,

who spoke of the link of solidarity between miners and other workers.

I want you men of the pits to come through.

I want this great scheme of nationalization to succeed triumphantly.

The whole country is watching to see

how this great new organisation,

this new adventure,

- this new experiment comes out.

The great experiment of socialism in a democracy depends on you.

The whole future we are trying to build up in our country

is for all our people and all our children

and it depends on you.

Through the dark and through the hunger

Through the night and through the fear

Through the fight and years of hardship

Through the storms and through the tears

And although your feet are weary

And although your soul is worn

And although they'll try to break you

And although you'll feel alone

We will always stand together

In the dark, right through the storm

We will stand shoulder to shoulder

To keep us warm

Any news?

Still waiting.

And the stars look down on the mean and hungry

And the stars look down and show the way

And the stars look down and we'll stand together

To see a day

When the stars look down and know our history

When the stars look down upon our past

And the stars look down and see a future bright at last

When we'll stand as one

Sit down.

Beneath the sun

And though our hands...

...are bruised and bleeding

And our lungs...

And our lungs

...are full with dust.

Are full with dust

And our hearts...

And our hearts

...are near to breaking.

Are near to breaking

We will never...

We will never

...forgo the trust.

Forgo the trust

Thank you.

We will fight through pain and hunger

Every arrow, every knife

We will never give the hope up

Of a proud and honest life

So we will always stand together

Through the frost, the hail, the snow

The stars are our redemption

And so we know

He's heard!

We're out. We're on strike!

The stars look down when we're abandoned

Look down in the heart of night

And the stars look down and give us vision

More Tory!

To see the light

The stars look down upon our struggle

The stars look down and know the past

The stars look down and see a future bright at last

When we'll stand as one beneath the sun

All out together

Kevin!

All out as one

All out for victory

Get home, now!

Till we've won

All out together

All out as one

All out for victory

All out till we've won

Billy, do you know why they're on strike, like?

It's to do with Maggie Thatcher, isn't it?

Maggie Thatcher? Why? What's she done, like?

Fucked if I know.

See you at boxing, then?

Yeah, see you, Michael.

Take me up and hold me gently

Raise me up and hold me high

Through the nights under darkness

Will come a day when we will fly

And although we've been rejected

And although we've been outcast

We will find a new tomorrow

When we come to rest at last

And we will stand there proudly

And we will never walk alone

And we will be returned

Back to our home

- Cush! - Piss off, man.

And the stars look down at their reflection

And the stars look down and there's a light

When the stars look down they'll see the justice

And the right

And the stars look down and see the struggle

And the stars look down and know the pain

And the stars will lead to where light shines again

Where we'll stand as one beneath the sun

One beneath the sun

When we'll stand as one

All out together

When we'll stand as one

All out as one

When we'll stand as one

All out for victory

When we'll stand as one

Till we've won

When we'll stand as one

All out together

When we'll stand as one

All out as one

When we'll stand as one

All out for victory

When we'll stand as one

Till we've won

When we'll stand as one

All out together

When we'll stand as one

All out as one

When we'll stand as one

All out for victory

All out till we've won

It came from a ruthless determination

from a few men to create mounting chaos.

Billy!

Now these few men are the wreckers in our midst.

- Billy! Shit! - They're not the mass of trade unionists...

What am I gonna do with you, lad?

...but there are a few militants who are the wreckers.

Billy! Get down here now before I tan your hide for you!

Hey! Not on the table.

They seek to use freedom in order to destroy freedom.

Turn that bloody witch off, will you?

Hey, I was listening to that.

Don't you want to know what's going on in the world?

I know what's going on in the world. We're on bloody strike. Billy!

- Get this off the bloody table. - Eh!

Socialist workers, my arse.

What do you know about political agitation?

What do you know about political aggravation?

You're not wearing any trousers!

Exactly!

You're wearing a bloody bikini!

Billy!

I don't know what you want to keep the pits open for, anyway.

If it was up to me, I'd close the bloody lot of them.

- Billy! - That's exactly what they're gonna do.

Where's my pasty?

Will you forget about your bloody pasty?

I am making you a nice cooked breakfast.

I don't want a cooked breakfast.

- I'll have some, though. - Shit!

Not your cooked breakfast.

Billy, get down here now!

What he lacks is a mother's touch.

What he lacks is a kick up the arse!

Look at the state of this!

Howay, man. Jackie.

- Oh, no. - Breakfast!

Good morning, everyone.

What's good about it? They've purloined me bloody pasty.

- Get off! - Right, bugger off!

The lot of you!

You're eating me out of house and home.

Oi, the police are bussing the scabs in early. Come on!

Shit!

- Maggie, Maggie, Maggie! - Out, out, out!

- Maggie, Maggie, Maggie! - Out, out, out!

Billy, your 50p's on the side.

Arthur Scargill

We'll support you ever more!

We'll support you ever more!

If I were you, Big Davy, I wouldn't eat that.

- Hello, Grandma. - Hello, son.

Grandma, I found this in the airing cupboard.

What the hell is that?

It's your pasty.

Oh!

Thank the Lord.

I thought they'd eaten it.

Nobody'd eat that, Grandma. It's mank.

You lot have it too bloody easy.

I can remember the General Strike...

- Grandma! - Hmm.

You'll make yourself ill.

Look, it's got mould on it.

- You're driving me mental. - Oh.

Anyway, how come you can remember the General Strike,

but you can't remember where you hid your pasty?

Mmm.

- Ugh! - Grandma!

It's absolutely disgusting.

Where are you going now?

I've got a nice sausage roll on the landing.

Oi, little 'un.

- What have I told you about the bottles? - Sorry, Mum.

- You're gonna be late. - Mum...

- Have you got your 50p? - Dad gave it to us.

- Have you got your trainers? - Yeah. No.

- They'll be in your bedroom. - No, they're not.

- Billy! - I'm absolutely positive they're not.

Found 'em!

You'd forget your head if it was loose.

I think Grandma must have moved 'em.

Mum?

Mum?

Come on, get them knees up,

you lazy little buggers.

This is a boxing club, not Butlins.

Right, drop down there and give us 20.

Bloody hell!

Oh, no!

What bloody time do you call this, for Christ's sake?

Go on, get changed now.

Do I have to?

Of course you bloody have to. You haven't done any boxing yet.

But it's nearly finished.

- Get changed or I'll knock your block off! - Ow!

Jesus!

Jesus!

Jesus!

Do you call them press-ups, you lazy little twat?

I've seen more life in Maggie Thatcher's knickers.

Right, yous lot, piss off.

- Oi! - Ow!

Where do you think you're going?

I'm pissing off.

You're pissing me off.

You can bloody well stay where you are and fight Joe Bugner there.

I think you've knocked a tooth out.

Serves you right. Over here now! Oi, Michael!

But I need the toilet, sir.

It's not my fault I'm late. I had to see to me Nana.

I'll see to your bleeding Nana in a minute.

Do you think I do these classes for the good of me health?

It's half 11:00, for Christ's sake. Anyone would think you didn't like boxing.

- I don't. - 50p.

You, bonny lad, are getting your 50p's worth whether you like it or not.

But look, everybody else is going home.

Aye.

That's because they've done their boxing.

See you, George.

See you, sunshine.

Wanker!

Oi, Michael, where you going now?

I need the gents'. I give up!

Jesus Christ! Right!

In this alternative universe

that we have created for ourselves,

you are Muhammad Ali and you are Cassius Clay.

Right. Hit him.

Do I have to?

Well, of course you have to hit him.

It's boxing, not flippin' macramé! What, man?

Please, sir, can I have a word?

Aye, you can have two.

- Bugger and off! - Ow!

His dad doesn't even like him coming.

You can shut your cake hole, or else I'll clip you myself.

All right, smart aleck. You hit him.

Ding, ding, ding! Seconds out. Round one.

Come on. Let's do a bit of boxing. That's what we're here to do.

Howay, son! Put a bit of beef into it.

Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Whoa!

Shirley Bassey, what the hell are you doing?

I'm just trying to put him off.

Put him off? It's not a bloody tea dance, man.

- Hit him in the head. - Are you sure?

Of course I'm sure. Twat the little bastard!

Well, get up.

Sorry, Billy.

"Sorry, Billy"?

"Sorry, Billy."

"Sorry, Billy"?

What do mean, "Sorry, Billy"?

He's supposed to hit you, you're supposed to hit him.

It's boxing!

- Jesus Christ! - Are you all right?

Well, of course he's all right, you stupid fat fanny.

Howay, Michael, come on. Let's show him how it's done.

Give us a left.

And a right.

And a left. You see...

You little bastard!

- Sorry, George. - Piss off.

You can stay where you are.

- But... - No buts about it.

You're a disgrace to your father, to them gloves,

and to the fine traditions

- of this boxing hall. - ...of this boxing hall.

I'm off to the picket line.

You can stay here and practise with the punch bag by yourself.

Aye, and make sure Mrs Wilkinson

gets these keys before you leave.

Who?

She's coming.

Chairs!

Oi, Rocky, bugger off.

And arms!

Alison Summers, get that coat off!

Full plié.

Get rid of the pie, Tracey Atkinson. Up.

I'm telling you, Tracey, you will end up like your mother.

And second!

Miss, the keys!

- Who the hell are you? - Billy. Billy Elliot.

Oh, pleased to meet you. I'm Margot.

Margot flippin' Fonteyn.

It was a rhetorical question. Now piss off up there.

Keeley Gibson, how many times have I got to tell you?

But miss, my mum...

I don't care if your mother has got cerebral palsy.

You have to bring your shoes.

Try to keep your arm in line

Come on, at least pretend you're doing fine

Don't forget the golden rule, girls.

Never hide your light under a bushel.

No matter how big the bushel, Tracey Atkinson.

You can wow them every time

Even you, Susan Parkes!

All you have to do is shine

Jetés!

That's it, girls, so our tawdry little lives can be transformed by the power of art.

Forget about content

Oi, you!

Focus on style

Steal an inch on 'em

And they'll give you a mile

Chair!

Everybody ready for the big number.

And smile, smile,

smile, smile!

Right.

We've only got another seven and a half months to rehearse this.

So, for Christ's sake, concentrate!

It doesn't matter if you're large or small

Trapezoid, short or tall

Even if you can't dance at all

All you really have to do is shine

It doesn't matter if your life's a mess

The whole process will coalesce

Girls, just try to effervesce

All you really have to do is shine

Give 'em the old razzle dazzle

Turn on the old pizzazz

Miss, the keys!

There won't be time to shilly shally

Give it backbone, give it welly Bowl 'em over, knock 'em out

Show what life is all about

Give 'em the old razzle dazzle and shine

Oi, you, join in or bugger off!

It doesn't matter if you're unemployed

Only partially humanoid

An octopoid whose mind's a void

All you really have to do is shine

Come on, Debbie, it's your big moment!

It doesn't matter if you're special needs

Maimed or lame, or born in Leeds

They love to see a heart that bleeds

All you really have to do is shine

Give 'em the old razzle dazzle

Turn on the old pizzazz

There won't be time to shilly shally

Give it backbone, give it welly Bowl 'em over, knock 'em out

Show 'em what life is all about

Give 'em the old razzle dazzle

And shine!

Oi.

Where the bloody hell do you think you're going?

I'm going home.

Oh, no, you're not. You haven't done any dancing yet.

What do you mean, dancing?

You wanna stay.

Be in the show.

Oh, no. It's gonna be rubbish.

I couldn't give a monkey's cuss

I couldn't give a fig

Come on, son, get over it

It's all part of the gig

Smoke, Mr Braithwaite, please.

That's it, girls, hide behind those fans.

No faces now, just tiny smurfs!

Give 'em the old rinkle tinkle

Out, in!

Show 'em the old kabam

Line!

Knock 'em sideways Blow their minds out

There's no time for half-arsed frolics

Grab the buggers by the bollocks

Show 'em what class is all about

Give 'em the old razzle dazzle

And shine

Lights!

It doesn't matter if you're short or squat

Cerebrally challenged, completely shot

You might have it or might not

All you really have to do is

All you really have to do is

Shine

Give 'em the old razzle dazzle

And shine

Give 'em the old razzle dazzle

And shine

And shine

And shine

50p's.

Oi, you owe me 50p.

- No, I don't. - Yes, you do.

- What for? - Your lesson.

You don't think I do this for the good of me health, do you?

What you on about? That wasn't a lesson.

Of course it was a bloody lesson. It nearly killed me.

Margaret Gormley!

Admittedly, your fan work wasn't so hot, but you have quite a nice turnout.

- A what? - 50p, stop pissing about.

I haven't got 50p. I spent it on boxing.

Well, you can bring it next week.

What do you mean "next week"?

Well, you're coming back, aren't you?

You've got to be joking. To this crap?

Please your Bessie! Debbie, bring me stuff.

So what do you reckon?

You look like a right dickhead to me.

Grandma! What are you doing?

I know it's here somewhere.

You've hidden it.

Grandma. That's me private stuff!

- What's that? - Nothing.

It's private. Mum left it for me.

Where's she gone?

She's dead, Grandma. You were at the funeral.

Was I?

'Course you were. She was buried next to Granddad.

Not him and all.

Christ, Billy, they're dropping like flies.

For Christ's sake.

- I've got you a pasty. - Really?

From the Co-op.

Just don't tell Dad I was late or anything.

Go on, then.

Oh, come off it. Do you really not remember about Granddad?

Of course I do.

How could I forget your Granddad, Billy?

We were married 33 years.

So what was he like, like?

He was

a complete

bastard.

I hated the sod

For 33 years

We should never have married

Of that I'm quite clear

He spent the housekeeping money

On whisky and beer

And never lifted a finger

Times were hard

But the swine rolled back pissed

So we'd fight and he'd swing

And he rarely missed

So I clobbered the sod

When he couldn't resist

Asleep, you can't lift a finger

But we'd go dancing

And he'd hold me tight

He was air, he was water He was breath, he was light

And he would hold me there with all his might

And it was bliss for an hour or so

But then they called time to go

And in the morning

We were sober

Oh! He'd drink and he'd talk

Just like a fool

Lie like a bairn and snore like a mule

Rarely was sober, pretty much was the rule

And he never lifted a finger

I suppose times were hard

Things were different then

Women were women and men, they were men

Seventeen, that was it, your life ended

When you had a ring around your finger

But we'd go dancing

He was my own Brando

And for a moment there My heart was aglow

We had dust in our hair and nowhere to go

But we were free for an hour or three

From the people we had to be

And in the morning

We were sober

But if I went through my time again

Oh, I'd do it without the help of men

Or at least your Granddad

But then again, you know

Best not to linger

What is the use of dreaming now?

I had my chance, well, anyhow

If I'd only known then what I know now

I'd have given them all the finger

And gone dancing

And not give a shit

Spin around and reel and love every bit

And I'd dance alone and enjoy it

And I'd be me for an entire life

Instead of somebody's wife

And I never

Would be sober

And I never

Would be sober

What are yous doing here?

Keeping the peace.

What for, like? There's nothing going on.

Well, we're doing a good job then, aren't we?

Now sod off.

- So are you going to go back then? - What, to ballet?

- Plenty of lads do ballet. - Aye, puffs.

- Not necessarily. - Who, like?

What about Wayne Sleep? He's not a puff.

Anyway, I don't know why you bother going. You're crap at it.

No, I'm not.

Anyway, I don't have much choice, do I?

Oi, Debbie, get a move on.

How do you put up with her?

Oi! How would you like it if I slagged off your mum?

- Me mum's dead. - Oh.

See you then.

Everybody, positions, please. Girls to the front.

And five, six, seven, eight, turn!

And rocking the baby, stretch.

Pie, Tracey Atkinson.

Debbie, you're late, girl.

And washing those windows, five, six, seven, eight.

- Hello. - Hello.

- Shoes. - I haven't got any.

Well, you have now. Put them on.

As two groups.

I can't wear them. I'll look like a right sissy.

Well, you should have thought about that before you came in.

- 50p. - What?

50p.

Again, six, seven, eight.

Arms, Susan Parkes.

- What about last week? - Rip-off!

Crossing!

Well, you joining in or what?

Debbie, count, girl, count for Christ's sake.

Oi, Billy Elliot!

And airing the sheets.

And hang them on the other line.

- What am I supposed to do? - Get down for starters!

- I just gave you 50p. - Travel back. That's lovely.

- What do I do? - Follow the others.

And marching forward to socialism, and...

I don't know what I'm doing.

Arms, Sharon Percy.

Miss, I don't know what to do.

Floor-Barre.

What barre?

Plié. Tendu second.

Plié. Tendu close.

Développé devant. Left leg.

Oi, Geordie, wanna see something you've never seen before?

Right leg.

And that's just off the overtime Wanna see some more?

Left leg.

You think you're smart, you cockney shite You wanna be suspicious

Two lines.

When you were on the picket line

We went and fucked your missus

- All of us at once. - All of us at once.

Solidarity, solidarity Solidarity forever

All for one and one for all Solidarity forever

Solidarity, solidarity Solidarity forever

All for one and one for all Solidarity forever

Girls to the centre.

Right, here's the lesson you've all been gagging for.

Pirouettes, God help us.

Right. I want you all to find a spot on that wall.

That'll be this wall, Susan Parkes.

And I want you to focus on that spot.

Do not take your eyes off that spot.

Right, then you turn your bodies around and your head follows,

but your head is the last thing to leave

and the first thing to come back, understand?

- Yes, miss. - Yes, miss.

Everybody in the centre.

Thank you, Mr Braithwaite.

And here we go,

and one, two, three, Billy...

...five, six, seven, eight.

And for God's sake, spin 'em, Mr Braithwaite, spin 'em!

I'm spinning them, Mrs Wilkinson, I'm spinning them.

Absolutely bloody hopeless, the lot of you.

And you're the worst of the bleeding lot, Billy Elliot.

Okay, forget it, forget it. Everybody in the corner.

We'll do some chaînés.

And five, six, seven, eight. Go, go, go.

Beautiful arms, Susan Parkes. Lovely, much better, Alison Summers.

Gold star, Keeley Gibson.

Try not to kill yourself, Tracey Atkinson.

Oi, Rudolf Nureyev, over here.

Okay.

Class dismissed.

Keep it up till Christmas, lads It means a lot to us

We send our kids to private school on a private bus

We've got a lot to thank you for Geordie, you're a corker

A nice extension on the house and a fortnight in Majorca

Solidarity, solidarity Solidarity forever

Don't worry, lads, we're on your side Solidarity forever

Solidarity, solidarity Solidarity forever

We're proud to be working class Solidarity forever

You're late.

Look, Jackie, I wanted to have a word.

If things are a bit difficult for you, we could sort something out.

What do you mean?

I mean, if things are a bit tight with the 50p's.

50p's?

Yes, man, your Billy's not been to boxing for over four weeks now.

What do you mean he hasn't been goin' to boxing?

If he hasn't been goin' to boxing, where the bloody hell has he been going?

Solidarity, solidarity Solidarity forever

We're proud to be working class Solidarity forever

- Quiet in my lesson. - Oi!

Where've you been going Saturday mornings?

Boxing, where'd you think?

- Dad. Dad, home. - Boxing?

- Tony's waiting. - I'll see you later, young 'un.

Okay, girls, forget about what's going on outside. Just concentrate.

- Do some soubresauts. - Yes!

And five, six, seven, eight.

Shoulders down, pointed feet.

Pretty arms, Sharon.

That's both arms, Keely Gibson.

Feet in fifth, tendu second, thank you, Debbie, plié fifth, retiré.

And five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight

- You're crap at that. - No, I'm not.

Lovely legs, Tina.

Arms, Debbie.

Arms! Temps levé!

Susan Parkes, you look like a spastic starfish.

- You're crap at that. - Oh, piss off, man, will you?

Oi! Attitude. Promenade. Prepare and...

What's the time?

No, on the wall.

Pick up the biscuit.

Much better, Sharon. Arms up, Billy.

Debbie, get your bum in, for Christ's sake.

Other way round, Susan Parkes.

Lovely little fairies on top of your music boxes.

Elbow.

Wrist.

Tummy.

Chin.

Please, Mum, can we have a go?

Right.

Baskets of pansies, ladies.

Yes, thank you, Mr Braithwaite.

And five, six, seven, eight.

You fucking worms, you fucking moles

You fucking Geordie shits

We're here to kick your Geordie arse You little Geordie gits

We're terrified, we're petrified Those words are so obscene

We'll boot your fuckin cockney skulls right back to Bethnal Green

Ha!

- And one. - Two, three.

- And two. - Two, three.

- And three. - Two, three.

- And four. - Two, three.

- And five. - Two, three.

- And six. - Two, three.

And smile, smile, smile, smile.

Solidarity, solidarity Solidarity forever

We're proud to be working class Solidarity forever

Solidarity, solidarity Solidarity forever

We're proud to be working class Solidarity forever

Billy, spot!

Come on, lads, get at them Really get stuck in

It's not a bleeding tea dance Do the fuckers in

- Solidarity, solidarity - Shine

- Solidarity forever - Just shine

- We're proud to be working class - Shine

- Solidarity forever - Just shine

- Solidarity, solidarity - All you have to do

- Solidarity forever - Is shine

- We're proud to be working class - All you have to do

- Solidarity forever - Is shine

- Prepare for pirouette. - Hit it!

- Solidarity, solidarity - One, two, three, four

- Solidarity forever - Five, six, seven, eight

- We're proud to be working class - One, two, three, four

- Solidarity forever - Five, six, seven, eight

Ever, ever, ever, ever

- Ever, ever, ever, ever - Forever, forever, forever, forever

- Ever, ever, ever, ever - Forever, forever

- Ever, ever, ever, ever - Forever, forever

- Forever, forever - For ever and ever and ever and ever

- Forever, forever - And ever and ever and ever and ever

- Forever, forever - For ever and ever and ever and ever

- Forever, forever - And ever and ever and ever and ever

Forever and ever

And ever!

What the bloody hell's going on here?

Can I help you?

What the hell do you think you're playing at, son?

- Naught. - Naught?

I thought you were at boxing.

You're here messing about with lasses in tights.

- Excuse me! I'm trying to teach a class! - Shut it!

But it's healthy, man, Dad. It's just like sport.

- Ballet? - It's not just puffs that do ballet, you know.

Look at that Wayne Sleep.

Wayne Sleep?

Wayne Sleep!

He's as bent as a nine-bob note, son.

I am busting my bollocks trying to find you 50p's

and you were running around in here like a fruit!

Mr Elliot, I've never heard anything so bigoted and ridiculous in my life.

Don't you call me bigoted, you ignorant cow.

- But I like it, Dad. - Right, that's it.

No more bloody boxing, no more bloody ballet.

From now on, you're stopping at home to look after your nana.

Listen, if anyone's going to do the ordering around in here, it's gonna be me.

You listen to me! This is my son,

so don't you dare tell me what to do.

This is ridiculous. You're supposed to be encouraging us to do things.

Well, I don't see why he shouldn't do ballet.

Fred Warmsley used to do it.

Yeah, but he was crap.

Well, I don't give a fuck about Fred Warmsley or any of you.

You are banned. Full stop.

I hate you.

You're a bastard!

Oh, shit!

Well, that was a very mature and intelligent way to handle the situation.

Don't you ever come near our Billy again!

Oh, Jesus Christ!

Okay. Class dismissed.

What did you have to do that for? Now I'm banned!

I don't want to come to your stupid ballet anyway.

I'm not even any good at it.

- Bullshit, Billy Elliot. - No, it's not.

It's absolute bullshit and you know it.

Billy, I know this might sound a bit weird,

but I've been thinking about the Royal Ballet School.

The Royal what?

The Royal Ballet School.

Aren't you a bit old, miss?

Not for me, you stupid idiot. For you.

They have regional auditions soon in Newcastle.

But what about my dad?

It'd take a lot of work,

but I thought if you had some proper lessons with me on your own,

you might have a chance of getting in.

But I've only just learned to pirouette!

They're not looking for something fully formed that's leapt from the brow of Zeus.

They're looking for potential, Billy.

They teach you the ballet.

But I'm banned, miss.

- For Christ's sake. - Shit! You can't come in here.

Just come after school.

Nobody else need know.

You don't fancy us, do you, miss?

No, funnily enough, I don't.

I don't think I've got time. I mean, when would I play out and that?

Look, Billy, if you want to stick round here

and piss about with your little mates, that's fine with me.

Look.

I'll be here on Monday night. Just bring some things with you

and we'll make up a special dance for the audition.

- What sort of things? - Things that mean something to you.

Things that tell me something about who you are.

See you Monday, then?

Well, sod you, then.

See if I care.

Michael!

Michael!

Fucking hell!

What?

You're wearing a dress.

I know.

Is it yours?

Course it's not mine, you stupid idiot. It's my sister's.

Do you want a go?

No. Look, I need to talk to you.

Are you sure? You can borrow one of my mum's.

- What you doing? - I'm just trying it on you.

Oh! That's mank.

Won't we get wrong?

"Will we..." Bollocks. My dad does it all the time.

Hold it.

Michael!

That's me!

You know that week after I had to stay behind at boxing?

Oi!

When I had to give that wife the key?

Howay.

I did some ballet.

- You did ballet? - Just a few steps and that.

It's fucking weird, if you ask me.

Bingo! Cush!

- What? - Separates. Trackies off.

The wife says I'm good at it.

She's asked us to do an audition for the Royal Ballet.

The Royal what?

The Royal Ballet School.

Do you get to wear a tutu?

Don't be daft. That's only for the lasses.

I wear me shorts.

- Smile. - What are you doin'?

One for the album.

Ugh.

Here, put this on.

Arms!

So do you think I should go back and do the audition?

I wouldn't if I were you. People'll think you're mental.

But you dress up in women's clothing.

- That's different. - Is it?

'Course it is. Time for a look in the mirror.

- Go on, then. - Yes!

And the finishing touch!

Oh, for crying out loud!

See, man, there's naught wrong with dressing up in women's clothing.

Is it sinful if you're blue

To cheer up the place?

Ah!

What is wrong with dressing up in satin and lace?

Oh, no!

Get some earrings, some mascara

Heels and a fan

Pretty soon you will start to feel

A different man

Olé, baby!

What the hell's wrong with expressing yourself?

Being who you want to be?

Howay, join in.

Will anybody die if you put on a dress?

Who the hell cares if your blusher's a mess?

Start a new fashion Buck all the trends

Emphasise integrity

Shake them shoulders, Billy.

Shut up, you puff.

'Cause what the hell is wrong with expressing yourself?

For wanting to be me?

What the hell's wrong with wearing a dress?

Being who you want to be?

Who the hell is it you try to impress?

All you have to do is learn to care less

Start a new fashion Buck all the trends

Billy, sing something to me.

Whoo!

'Cause what the hell is wrong with expressing yourself?

For trying to be free

Sing it, sister!

If you wanna be a dancer, dance

If you wanna be a miner, mine

If you want to dress like somebody else

Fine, fine

Let's get these dresses dancin'!

It's not a big statement It's not a weird act

Just a good idea at the time

We'll not complain about your boring life

If you'll just leave me to mine

If you wanna be a dancer, dance

If you wanna be a miner, mine

Shoes!

- I'm gonna beat you, Michael. - No, you're not.

Yes, I am.

- One shoe. - That's one shoe!

- Oh, no, two shoes. Michael wins! - You cheat!

Come on! Loser!

Push!

Follow me!

Arms!

- Keep up, Billy! - I'm trying, Michael!

Shimmy shake! We gotta do something better than that.

Oh, like what?

- Like this! Six, seven, eight! - Whoa!

Show time!

Smile!

- So what do you think, dancin' boy? - Not bad.

You ain't seen nothin' yet!

One, two, three, four.

Here they come!

What's that?

Me dresses!

Come on, Nana.

Trousers?

Women's clothing only!

Scene change!

From the top!

Oh, yeah.

Whoo-hoo!

Five, six, seven, eight!

Everyone is different It's the natural state

It's a fact, it's plain to see

The world's grey enough without making it worse

What we need is individuality

Go on, then!

Finish!

What are you doing with that?

Naught.

Well, put that back where it belongs.

- This has got nothing to do with you. - Hasn't it?

You're going nowhere with that.

Don't you tell me what to do.

Just put it back, son.

Look, this isn't Camberwick fuckin' Green, Dad, man.

If you want to go down there

and get the shit kicked out of you, that's up to you.

Oh, Che Guevara.

Don't be so bloody stupid, man.

There are 2,000 police on the doorstep.

Argh!

Did you see what they done to Harry Robson?

They broke both his bloody legs, man.

Yeah, so the last thing we need is you in hospital as well.

Please, just put it back.

Put it back.

Make us.

I said, put it back.

What are you going to do about it, like? Hit us?

Come on, then.

Come on!

No.

You've been a complete waste of space since me mum died.

Useless piece of shit!

Stop it!

Stop it, please.

What the bloody hell are you looking at?

Oh, hello. I thought you weren't going to show.

I had to wait until me dad went out.

Well, better late than never.

Come on, best get started.

Have you brought your special things for the dance?

Well, I've brought a few bits of stuff and that,

but I didn't really know what you meant.

Well, let's see, then.

Rubik's Cube.

- TV theme tunes? - Yeah.

Mmm!

Baked beans.

- What's that? - It's a packet of soup, miss.

What the bloody hell's that for?

I don't know.

Billy, I asked you to bring things that mean something to you.

I know.

Well, how the hell am I going to make up a dance

about baked beans and a cup-a-soup?

Oh, I don't know.

At the risk of being totally boring,

dancing is as much about you discovering things about yourself

as it is about discovering about dancing.

Do you understand?

What?

Look, it's not just about the steps. It's all about you.

Why does it have to be about me for?

Jesus Christ.

'Cause I say so.

What's this?

It's a letter.

I can see it's a letter.

You can open it if you want.

Thank God for that. The suspense was killing me.

It's from me mum.

Your mum?

She wrote it for us for when I was 18,

but I opened it a few years early.

I see.

You can read it if you like.

Read it out.

"Dear Billy, I must seem a distant memory...

"Which is..."

"...which is probably a good thing.

"And it will have been a long..."

"Long time.

"And I will have missed you growing

"And I'll have missed you crying

"And I'll have missed you laugh

"Missed your stomping and your shouting

"I'll have missed telling you off

"But please, Billy

"Know that I was always there

"I was with you through everything

"And please, Billy..."

"Know that I will always be

"Proud to have known you

"Proud that you were mine

"Proud in everything

"And you must promise me this, Billy

- "In everything you do..." - In everything you do...

Always be yourself, Billy

And you always will be true

Don't go.

And I'll have missed you growing

And I'll have missed you crying

And I'll have missed you laugh

- Missed your stomping and your shouting - "Missed your stomping and your shouting

- I'll have missed telling you off - "I'll have missed telling you off

- But please, Billy - "But please, Billy

- Know that I was always there - "Know that I was always there

- I was with you through everything - "I was with you through everything

- And please, Billy - "And please, Billy

- Know that I will always be - "Know that I will always be

- Proud to have known you - "Proud to have known you"

Love you forever

Love you forever

"Mum."

She must have been a very special woman.

No.

She was just me mum.

Right.

Oh, Mr Braithwaite! I thought you'd abandoned us.

I just got a little detained at the Rose and Crown.

What's he doing here?

Well, you're going to need something to dance to, aren't you, you little wanker?

You see, there are two main theories about dance.

One is that it's basically technical,

something you learn from the outside and then repeat.

Or it's a very personal expression that you realise from within.

What's she on about?

Well, basically, it was all down to Diaghilev, who ran the Ballets Russes,

who wanted to revolutionise what had become a purely decorative medium

and reconnect it with dance's chthonic roots as a primordial means of expression.

Eh?

He did a BTEC at Sunderland Poly.

What Mr Braithwaite means is that you have to release your inner caveman,

and everything else will just flow naturally.

Hit it, Mr Braithwaite!

We weren't born to stand still

Ain't a question of will

What are you doing? Miss!

Gotta move, it's a fact

We were born to react

We weren't made to behave

Like we will in the grave

Join in!

When the music is played

Oh, the soul will be swayed

And your feet, they will move

As if only to prove

Whoo!

That it wasn't by chance

We were destined to dance

We were born to boogie

Yeah!

We were born to boogie

It ain't a puzzle

'Cause we're blood and muscle

From the Day of Creation

We were the dance sensation

Right! Let's have some proper dancing!

Oh, your feet and your hands

Whoa!

Oh, your toes and your glands

Your eyes and your skin

Well, your face and your chin

Oh, your brawn and your brains

Come on!

Your balls and your chains

We were born to boogie

We were born to boogie

It ain't a puzzle

'Cause we're blood and muscle

From the Day of Creation

We were the dance sensation

We were born to boogie

We're all born to

Gee, my bum. My bum.

Let's start at elementary level.

Five, six...eight.

- Long leg. - One.

- Stretch. - Two.

- Point. Flex. - Three.

- In front, behind. - Four.

- Eyes front. - Five.

- And in and in and over. - Six.

- Face the barre. Oi, shift. - Seven.

- Retiré. - Eight.

- Turn out. - Nine.

- Shoulders down. Chin up. - Ten.

- Rise, balance. - Eleven.

- That's it, Billy. - Twelve.

Chassé turn.

Intermediate level.

Use the floor.

Strong arm, Billy.

Around,

again, and in and in, and chair.

- Oh, miss, I can't do it. - Yes, you can. Push down.

Miss, I can't do it!

Yes, you can! Push down, Billy.

Balance.

All right, let's have it!

Next level.

That's it, Billy!

Oh, shit!

Right. Let's go, Baryshnikov.

Try this.

Watch me, Billy!

Shoes!

Sweat, Mr Braithwaite.

Easy.

Not bad for a big fella.

I'm concentrating!

- Faster! - Faster!

Oh, Jesus!

Cheeky monkey!

Go, miss.

I'm doing it, you cheeky monkey!

- Boogie! - Boogie!

We were born to boogie

We were born to boogie

We were born to boogie

We're all born to

Boogie

Are you nervous for your audition?

Hmm, not really.

You wanna be. You're shite.

I thought your mum said I was cush.

I wouldn't listen to her. She's sexually frustrated.

Really?

Well, me dad was doing it with this wife at work

but then he got made redundant.

He used to be a deputy manager, but now he's an alcoholic.

Bugger off, will ya?

Billy?

What, man?

Do you not fancy us, like?

Well...

I've never really thought about it.

If you want, I'll show you me fanny.

Nah.

You're all right.

Debbie! Outside!

Right, here's the tape.

And remember, once the audition starts, just concentrate.

Do exactly what you do in here and you'll be fine.

Fuck a duck, miss, I know. You've told me this before, man.

And another thing, Billy. Try and keep your mouth shut.

Right. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning at 8:00, here. Okay?

Listen... You can do this, Billy.

You've worked so hard, and I know you can do it.

You just have to forget about everything else.

Do it for you.

Mum.

Mum!

Right, Billy.

I'll pick you up tomorrow morning.

And for God's sake, don't be late!

We've got to be in Newcastle by 9:00 on the dot.

- Don't worry, miss, I'll put me alarm on. - "Put me alarm on."

Ow! Get off us, will you, man?

We should get you to the hospital.

How the hell are we supposed to get him to the hospital?

They've got the whole place surrounded, man.

He can't stay here. They're after him.

Ow!

Fucking hell, man!

Anyway, the Union will sort it out.

The Union will sort out fuck all.

Right. You saw what they did for Harry Robson, man!

The Union are doing what they can.

This isn't a strike any more. It's a bloody class war.

Shit!

We should get him to hospital.

How the hell are we supposed to get him to a hospital?

There were 2,000 police taking six scabs to work.

Leave it!

- What's going on? - It's all kicked off.

There's about a hundred police coming through the village.

Where do you think you're going with that bag?

Nowhere. Out.

Get back upstairs.

But I said I'd see Michael.

- You're going nowhere today, son. - Dad!

Back upstairs! Now!

Look, I'll be right back.

- For Christ's sake. - Shit!

What is the matter with you today?

Hello.

- Can I come in? - Hang on a minute.

- What the hell's going on, Billy? - Just go away, miss.

I've been stood outside the Welfare for three quarters of an hour.

Do you know what the time is?

What the hell's she doing here?

You realise we're late already, don't you?

Late for what, for God's sake?

Please, don't tell him, miss.

Will somebody tell me what the hell is going on here?

- Just go away! - No, Billy.

We're going to have to sort this one out once and for all.

Look, I know this will be a little difficult for yous to understand,

but I think I have to tell you...

No, miss!

Billy has an audition this morning for the Royal Ballet School.

The Royal Ballet?

School.

- Where they teach the ballet. - Oh.

You've got to be joking.

Billy has been coming to class

and I have been giving him private lessons for the last two months.

What? Who gave you permission to teach him ballet?

Mr Elliot, we're missing the audition as we speak.

Hang on a minute!

Have you any idea what we're going through in this village?

Ballet?

You trying to make him a scab for the rest of his life?

He's only 12, for Christ sakes.

You've got to start training from when you're young.

Shut it, you.

I'm not having any brother of mine poncing round for your gratification.

Excuse me, this is not for my gratification.

Billy is exceptionally talented...

What good's it going to do him? He's only a bairn, for Christ sakes.

What's wrong with giving him a childhood?

I don't want a childhood. I want to be a ballet dancer.

I'll give you a bloody childhood in a minute.

What qualifications have you got?

Teaching 12-year-olds in a miners' welfare.

You could be a nutter for all I know.

I think you should calm yourself down, son.

Right. Argh! You say he wants to be a dancer.

Well let's see this dancing then.

- This is ridiculous. - Tony, man...

Shut up!

Come on. If you're supposed to be a ballet dancer, let's be havin' you.

Don't you dare!

What sort of ballet teacher are you?

This is his big chance!

Come on! Dance, you little bastard!

- No. - No.

He says he doesn't want to dance.

So we'll be having no more ballet.

And if you come near him again,

I'll smack you one, you middle-class cow!

Hang on a minute!

You don't know anything about me, you sanctimonious little shit.

What are you scared of,

that he won't grow up to race whippets, grow leeks, and piss his wages up the wall?

Fuck off!

I've been with this boy for weeks now,

and you, and you haven't even noticed.

So don't you lecture me on the British fucking class system, comrade.

Tony, the police are coming down the street. Everyone out the back. Now!

Tony, now! Move, man, move!

I'm sorry, Billy, you haven't got a hope in hell.

Jackie, away, man.

- Me mum would've let us. - Well, your mum's dead.

Jackie!

Dad, you bastard!

Shit.

Piss off, man! Fuck you! Fuck yourself!

Fuck off, you paps!

Fuck off!

Solidarity, solidarity Solidarity forever

All for one and one for all Solidarity forever

Get out, bastards!

Dig deep for the miners. Dig deep for the miners.

Welcome back to the second half of the Easington District Miner's Welfare

temporary soup kitchen annual Christmas party!

I'm deeply moved.

Now, we may be eight months into the strike, but are we downhearted?

No!

Come on, you can do better than that. Are we downhearted?

No!

That's more like it!

So, let's make this the best Christmas party we've ever had.

But before we do that, it's time to draw the winning ticket

in the special meat prize draw raffle.

But before we do that, I would just like to thank the various groups

who have donated meat to the special Christmas strike pot.

Firstly, Darlington Socialist Group Karate Circle

have given us a couple of chops.

Hetton-Le-Hole Amateur Operatic Society

have given us a load of tripe and a pile of ham.

And finally,

I would just like to thank our lovely comrades from Newcastle upon Tyne.

- Where are they? Give us a wave!

Oh, there they are, Tony.

The Newcastle upon Tyne Polytechnic Lesbian and Gay Caucus...

...who have given us some mince and faggots,

and a nice juicy Cumberland ring.

So, here's me best mate and sparring partner, Mr Billy Elliot.

And the winning ticket is, not that one.

Eight and four, 84.

So, if you've got this ticket, come up and see Santa

and he'll give you a nice piece of meat.

Oh, yes, he will.

Hey, Santa!

Whatta?

Can you hear it in the distance?

Can you sense it far away?

Ooh!

Is it old Rudolph the Reindeer?

Is it Santa on his sleigh?

- It's heading up to Easington - It's heading up to Easington

- It's coming down the Tyne - It's coming down the Tyne

Oh, it's bloody Maggie Thatcher and Michael Heseltine

So Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher May God's love be with you

We all sing together in one breath

Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher We all celebrate today

'Cause it's one day closer to your death

Two, three, four, look. Two, three, four, attack!

And now, welcome to the stage

a couple of volunteers from the Sunderland Barnardo's.

They've come to raid your stockings

and to steal your Christmas pud

But don't be too downhearted It's all for your own good

The economic infrastructure must be swept away

To make way for business parks

And lower rates of pay

So Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher May God's love be with you

We all sing together in one breath

Moo!

Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher We all celebrate today

'Cause it's one day closer to your death

And now, have we got a surprise for you.

The Easington District Miner's Welfare

present their political puppet workshop forum!

Okay, lads, let 'em have it!

And they've brought their fascist boot boys

And they've brought their boys in blue

And the whole Trade Union Congress will be at the party, too

And they'll all hold hands together

All standing in a line 'Cause they're privatizing Santa

This merry Christmastime

So Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher May God's love be with you

We all sing together in one breath

Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher We all celebrate today

'Cause it's one day closer to your death

Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher May God's love be with you

Yeah!

We all sing together in one breath

All together now!

Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher We all celebrate today

'Cause it's one day closer to your death

Oh, my darling, oh, my darling Oh, my darling Heseltine

You're a tosser, you're a wanker

And you're just a Tory swine

Yeah!

Right, who's next to give we a song?

No, Dad, no!

No, no, no, no, no.

Not after last year.

Now, I can see just the man,

Mr Jackie Elliot!

Give us Big Spender, Jackie!

Big Spender! Big Spender!

I'm not singing Big Spender,

I'll sing you all an old folk song.

No, we don't want an old folk song. It's boring.

It was one of my Sarah's favourites.

It was three years ago last week she died.

- Dad, come on, man. - I'm all right.

Oh, once I was a young man

I looked over vales and hills

Saw myself a future of riches and of thrills

But on me 15th birthday

I paid my union dues

And they sent me deep into the ground

Oh, the winter wind can blow me colder

Oh, the summer's heat can parch me dry

But I'll not leave here for a fortune

I shall never leave here till I die

Oh, once I had a family

Sons to make you proud

They have gone and left me

And I count the time out loud

Now I am an old man

Just waiting for me turn

Till they send me back into the ground

Oh, the winter wind can blow me colder

Oh, the summer's heat can parch me dry

But I'll not leave here for a fortune

I shall never leave here till I die

Oh, the winter wind can blow me colder

Oh, the summer's heat can parch me dry

But I'll love these dark, dark hills forever

And I won't leave them until I die

Once, I loved a woman

She meant all the world to me

We dreamed ourselves a future

As far as I could see

I was only 37

When they took her down from me

And they buried her...

I cannot.

Oh, the winter wind can blow me colder

Oh, the summer's heat can parch me dry

But I'll love these dark, dark hills forever

And I won't leave them until I die

Merry Christmas, Dad.

Merry Christmas, Son.

Come on, let's go home.

Well, a fuckin great Christmas this has been.

I know. It's been a right load of shite.

All I got was an atlas from the support group. Oi.

Count yourself lucky, all I got was a bloody football kit,

and a signed photo of Kevin fuckin' Keegan!

But I swapped it

for a brand new Cindy the nurse!

Did you ever go back and see that wife?

What wife?

Debbie's mum. The ballet wife. Oi!

No. I've packed it in.

Really?

Well, maybe it's for the best.

At least you won't be running away to that ballet school, will you?

- What's good about that, like? - Well, I'd miss you.

We'd best be going.

Oh, it's freezin' in here.

Wait.

What?

Come here.

What are you doing?

I'm just warming your hands.

You're not a puff or owt?

What gave you that impression?

Aren't me hands cold?

I quite like it.

Just 'cause I like ballet, doesn't mean I'm a puff, you know.

You won't tell anyone, will ya?

Here, put this on.

Cush!

Ah! It's fucking freezing in here!

It's a bit small.

Oh, no, I'm not sure this red will go with me tutu.

Oh, shut up, man!

Come on, show us a bit of ballet then.

No, I've told you, I've packed it in.

Howay, just a little bit.

Just a

little bit.

Just a little bit.

Just a little...

Oh!

I can see why they call it The Nutcracker!

Come on, man.

Well, you do some dancing then.

We'd best be goin', my dad'll be after us.

Your dad's as pissed as a platypus.

No, he's not!

Well, a right barrel of laughs you are.

If you want, you can keep the tutu.

Can I? Cush!

You're not goin' home in it, are you?

'Course I am. No one will notice.

See you, then.

Yeah. Merry Christmas, Michael.

Go home, Billy! Go home!

What can I do for you?

I was looking to speak to Mrs Wilkinson.

Sandra!

Friend of yours.

Oh, hello.

How much is it going to cost, then?

And a very Merry Christmas to you, too.

I've been doing a lot of thinking.

Well, that must have come as a shock to the system.

Who is it, Mum?

Bugger off, Debbie, will ya?

I know I shouldn't have come.

Not at all, it's Christmastime. Good will to all men and all that.

Look, would you like to come in?

I just need to know,

is he actually good enough?

For what?

I don't know, for the school, the audition.

Well, we'll never know, will we?

Maybe he'd have gotten in.

Maybe he'd have joined the Ballet Rambert.

Maybe he'd end up on the scrapheap, like everybody else.

How the hell should I know?

Nothin' we can do then.

Wait!

Actually, we could still get him to an audition in London.

Well, it's not too late, then?

No.

How much is it going cost, this ballet school lark?

Maybe five grand a year. Plus, living expenses.

Sometimes the local authority pay the tuition costs.

Five grand?

I was talking about the audition.

Oh, it's nothing. 20 quid or something.

- Mum! - Five grand!

We haven't even got the money for a bus fare to London.

If it's just a question of the bus fare...

Mum!

Piss off, Debbie. I'm busy.

I don't want your money.

I didn't come here for charity. He is my son.

Oh, for Christ's sake,

when are you going to get over your pig-ignorant working class pride?

The kid is gifted. He's got a chance.

What have you got to offer him? Mining?

This town has had it. It's finished.

You're fighting a battle that was lost years ago.

I'm not the enemy, Mr Elliot. We're all in this together.

So for God's sake, talk to me.

Let me help.

I want to thank you for everything you've done for our Billy.

I really appreciate it.

Is that it?

Yeah.

This is ridiculous. Why don't you come inside...

I'm the one who got us into this mess!

I'll be the one who'll get us out of it.

Oi, Sandra!

Well, stuff you, then. See if I care.

Merry bloody Christmas.

Right, let's be having you. Gormley.

Here.

Davidson.

Aye.

Summers. Summers?

I haven't seen you before.

Jackie? Jackie Elliot.

Christ, I never expected to see you here.

Aye, well, things change.

Well, I'm glad to see you've come to your senses, mate.

Piss off, man, will ya?

Howay, then. All aboard the Skylark.

Scab, scab, scab, scab, scab, scab, scab, scab...

Fucking scab bastard!

Fuck ya!

You fucking scab bastard!

You fucking scab!

You fucking scab!

Dad!

Dad, what are you doing, man?

Dad!

I can't take this any more, So n

It's tearing me apart

It's lost, we're finished, man, we're through

I need to give the kid a future

I need to look him in the eye

And believe me, Son, I'd do the same for you

You can't give in now, Dad. We've all been out a year.

I'll never be able to talk to you again

You can't do this to me, Dad. You can't do it to yourself.

He's just a kid, he's only just a bairn.

But he could be a star for all we know

And we don't know how far he can go

And no one else can give what I can give

What the fuck are you talking about, man?

No one else can give what I can give

Dad!

He could go and he could shine

Not just stay here counting time

Son, we've got the chance to let him live

We have got the chance to let him live

This isn't about us, Dad. It's not about the kid.

It's all of us, this is everybody's chance.

It's everybody's future It's everybody's past

It's not about a bairn who wants to dance

It's about our history. It's about our rights.

Think about the sacrifice we've made

It's what you always taught us since I was a kid

Please, Dad, don't let that passion fade

For Christ sake, Jackie.

But he could be a star...

Oh, fucking hell!

...for all we know

And we don't know how far he can go

It's about our history. It's about our rights.

And no one else can give what I can give

It's what you always taught us!

No one else can give what I can give

Go fuck yourself!

We're all in this together, Jack

There is another way

All for one. And one for all

Take this and this

And this and this

And this and this

And this and this

Don't worry, lad, we'll never let you fall

He could be a star for all we know

And we don't know...

I don't know...

So we'll give all that we can give

We will all give all that we can give

We will go and we will shine

We will go and seize the time

We will all have pride in how we live

We will all have pride in how we live

Yes, we'll all have pride in how we live

That makes 19 pounds, 17 and a half pence. And 12 pesetas.

It's not enough for the bloody bus fare.

Don't forget about the 30 pound from the 50p's.

You can't do that, man. I thought that was for a new bag.

Well, we'll be supporting the arts!

Just because we're a boxing club doesn't mean we're a bunch of Palestines.

Eh?

Philistines!

Anyway, you're wasting your time, man, scrabbling round for 50p's.

Hey! I've worked hard for them 50p's.

You've never done a hard day's work in your life, man.

Anyway, we're not scrabbling round. We've nearly got enough.

You haven't nearly got enough, man.

You haven't even got enough for the ruddy B and B, man.

This is bloody hopeless.

What the hell do you want?

I don't want any trouble.

Yeah, well, get out then, 'cause we don't have scabs in here.

Here, son.

What's this?

- It's for the bairn. - Yeah?

I don't fuckin' think so, give us it.

- We're not taking anything from you. - Hang on a minute!

No. We don't have dirty money in here.

But it would pay for everything.

For Christ sake, Tony.

Give the bairn a chance, man.

We're not taking it.

Scab!

There must be hundreds here. Can we use it, Dad?

Go on, then. Do your audition.

What's left here, eh?

We're screwed. They've already started going back.

Go on, take the fuckin' money. Go to London.

What's the point in trying to keep the community together?

What's the point in trying to keep your pit open?

What's the point in trying to keep your family together anyway?

- Tony. - No.

So, can we use it, Dad?

We will go and we will shine We will go and seize the time

We will all have pride in how we live

We will all have pride in how we live

- We will always stand together - We will all have pride in how we live

In the dark, right through the storm

- We will stand shoulder to shoulder - Yes, we'll all have pride

- To keep us warm - In how we live

Is this it?

Well, they said on stage.

Whoa!

Oi, Dad, look! That man looks like Arthur Scargill.

He does, doesn't he? Look, look, look. He's even got the comb-over and everything.

Is that absolutely necessary?

Name?

Name?

Billy. Billy Elliot.

And your son's name, Mr Elliot?

I beg your pardon?

You are here for the auditions?

No.

No, man. He's Billy Elliot.

Occupation?

He's still at school.

No. Your occupation.

I'm a miner.

Gosh.

You mean you actually go underground?

Not at the minute, like. We're on strike.

Right, This way, please.

Just the children.

We're holding the auditions on stage today.

Thank you.

Frightfully nerve-wracking, isn't it?

I beg your pardon.

Frightfully nerve-wracking.

Do you know, sometimes,

I think I get more nervous at these things than my Thomas.

Well, it's wor forst time, like, y'knar.

I beg your pardon.

It's wor forst time,

like, y'knar.

- First audition. Sorry. - Ow!

God, man! Get off me!

Dad. Dad, for Christ's sake! I've changed me mind.

Just get back in there, you little git.

- Hold on a minute. - Security!

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Please clear the stage,

ready for Royal Ballet School auditions at 2:30,

followed by a 7:15 performance this evening. Thank you.

And you would happen to be...

Billy.

I'm sorry?

Billy Elliot. From County Durham.

Well, stand on the spot, please, William.

Please clear the stage,

this afternoon's auditions are about to commence.

Clear the stage. Thank you.

William Elliot.

William, what is that you're holding?

It's me money.

Your money?

For the audition. Some of it's in 50p's, but the rest is from the scab.

Would you like to put it down now?

Sorry.

And now, the piece that you've prepared.

You do have some music for us?

Uh, no. I've got a cassette I made with Mrs Wilkinson...

Shit... Shite.

Sorry.

It's all right. It's always doing this.

I can get it back.

Have you got a pencil?

It's the next bit, you'll have to wind it on.

You all right, pal?

Aye. Aye.

Sorry...

Would you like a smoke?

Thanks.

Thanks.

Thanks very much.

Where the bloody hell are you from?

Glasgow. Where the hell did you think, Milton Keynes?

I came down when I was 13.

It's a wee bit nerve-wracking, isn't it?

It's not exactly what I expected him to be doing.

Aye, my dad was just the same.

Oh, aye?

Oh, Jesus Christ!

I suppose that, uh, well, he's used to it by now, is he?

No, he's a complete arsehole.

You get right behind your bairn.

Understand?

Yeah.

Prick.

Mr Elliot. No smoking in here!

No, no, we're all right, he's...

Sorry, sorry. I'll, uh...

No!

No!

No!

Are you all right?

What's the matter?

It was a complete waste of bloody time.

Oh, don't be so silly.

It's only a stupid audition.

Piss off.

Look, it's all right.

Piss off, ya bent bastard!

What on earth is going on here?

- Thomas! - Shit.

Billy.

Mr Elliot.

I'm afraid, Mr Elliot, that mutual respect and self-discipline

are absolute prerequisites of any pupil at this school.

Such displays of violence

cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.

Do you understand?

Billy's really sorry.

He's been under a lot of pressure lately.

Just a few questions to finish with.

Could you tell us why you first became interested in ballet?

I don't know. I just was.

Well, was there any specific aspect of ballet that caught your imagination?

- The dancing. - He dances all the time.

Every night after school. He does all the, you know...

Yes, we have a very enthusiastic letter from a Mrs Wilkinson.

She has also explained your personal circumstances.

Are you a balletomane, Mr Elliot?

I beg your pardon.

Are you a fan of the ballet?

I wouldn't exactly say I was an expert or anything.

You do realise that pupils are expected to attain the highest standards,

not only in ballet, but also in their ordinary academic work.

A child can only succeed with the 100% support of his family.

You are completely behind Billy,

are you not?

Yeah. Yes.

Yes, I am.

Would you like to ask us any questions?

No.

Are you sure there's nothing else you'd like to say?

Well, in that case, we will let you know in due course.

Just one more thing.

Can I just ask you, Billy,

what does it feel like when you're dancing?

I can't really explain it

I haven't got the words

It's a feeling that you can't control

I suppose it's like forgetting Losing who you are

And at the same time something makes you whole

It's like that there's a music playing in your ear

And I'm listening and I'm listening and then I disappear

And then I feel a change like a fire deep inside

Something bursting me wide open Impossible to hide

And suddenly I'm flying Flying like a bird

Like electricity, electricity

Sparks inside of me and I'm free

I'm free

It's a bit like being angry

It's a bit like being scared

Confused and all mixed up and mad as hell

It's like when you've been crying and you're empty and you're full

I don't know what it is It's hard to tell

It's like that there's some music playing in your ear

But the music is impossible Impossible to hear

But then I feel it move me

Like a burning deep inside

Something bursting me wide open

Impossible to hide

And suddenly I'm flying

Flying like a bird

Like electricity, electricity

Sparks inside of me

And I'm free, I'm free

Electricity sparks inside of me

And I'm free, I'm free

Free

I'm free

Hey! Hey!

Have a safe journey home.

Mine.

And, Mr Elliot, good luck with the strike.

Billy, did you really chin one of the dancers?

I didn't actually chin him, I just sort of pushed him over a bit.

You'll be trying for the royal boxing school next.

Howay, now, lads. Maggie, Maggie, Maggie.

Out, out, out.

All right, Billy? How did you get on at your audition?

Good.

Well, fingers crossed, eh?

Yeah. Thanks, Lesley.

All right.

Anyway, I'm quite glad, really.

You heard anything yet?

No. Not yet. Howay, Michael, let's get out of here.

Oi, Billy Elliot. Have you heard owt yet?

No, not yet!

Well, divint worry, you'll get in, ne bother.

Oh!

Do you reckon?

What, that? He's got no chance.

I thought you said he were a genius.

Genius? Is he, bollocks.

If I was his father, I'd chop his bloody legs off.

Post!

Post!

Post!

Christ.

- This is it. - Well, let's open it then, shall we?

What do you mean? We can't open it. It's for the bairn.

- That doesn't matter. - Of course it matters.

How would you like it if someone opened your post?

Well, when was the last time that I got a letter?

We could steam it open.

Give us it here.

Look, it's not fair. It's for the bairn.

We could take a knife and slice along the bottom.

Look, nobody's gonna slice anybody along the bottom.

Oh.

Grandma, I'm warning you.

For Christ sakes.

Right, we're gonna leave it here.

We're gonna leave it here.

We're gonna leave it here for Billy

for when he gets home.

- Come on. Let's just open it! - Just fuckin' leave it!

- He's not gonna know... - Let it go...

Give it here!

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!

See you, Billy.

Yeah, see ya, Michael.

Shit.

Open it, Son.

"William Elliot is queer."

Oh, no!

"Esquire"!

Just open it, man.

Open it, for Christ sakes!

Just go ahead, man.

Down, down, down!

Well?

I didn't get in.

Oh, Billy.

I'm sorry, Son.

Oh.

Billy.

Never mind, kiddo.

You little bastard!

He got in, man! He got in!

Who do you think you are kidding, Mr Hitler

If you think Old England's done?

You little bugger. He got in!

Did you not hear us, man? He got into the school!

Have you not heard?

Heard what?

We're going back. Strike's over, Jackie.

I've just had a call from the regional committee.

They've caved in.

We've lost.

- We've lost everything. - So that's it, then?

A whole fuckin' year?

- It'll be all right, Dad. - All right?

When you come back here, Billy,

everyone you know will be unemployed.

In this village, in the next village and the village after that,

and the village after that.

In 10 years, there won't be any pits left.

We're dead.

We're dinosaurs.

200,000 men.

We can't all be fucking dancers.

We'd better get down the hole.

Anyway, congratulations, bonny lad.

I always said you'd get in.

Better get down the hole.

You all right, son?

I'm scared, Grandma.

Scared?

What are you scared of?

I'm not sure I want to go. Can't I stay here?

No.

No, you can't stay here.

We've rented your room out.

Not funny, Grandma.

Did you really get in?

Uh-huh.

Will you sign this for us?

Shh!

Hello.

Hello.

Can I help you?

I just came to tell you, I got in.

Oh.

Well, me dad thought you should know.

It's all right. They sent us a letter when it happened.

Miss, I know I should have come before, but, you know...

I can imagine.

Okay, girls, toilet break.

Debbie, go on.

And miss, I just wanted to say thanks, miss.

For everything that you did.

I could never have done it without you, miss.

Well, good luck, Billy.

Thanks.

Well, goodbye.

Goodbye, then.

I'll miss you, miss.

No, you won't, Billy.

You'll get down there and realise what a crap little dancing school this was.

What a complete second-rate training I gave you.

And then you'll spend the next five years unlearning everything I taught you.

- No! - It's all right.

That's the way it is.

No, you don't understand,

I'll come and see you every time I come back, miss.

Here's a piece of advice, Billy.

Piss off out of here.

Don't look back. Start everything afresh.

There's sod all left for you here.

You are very fucking special.

Now, piss off before I start to cry.

Okay.

And, Billy. Good luck.

Good luck as well, miss.

Yeah, thanks.

Thanks, Billy.

Once we built visions on ground we hewed

We dreamt ofjustice and of men renewed

All people equal, in all things

We once were heroes

Once were kings

But all great things must come to pass

We know the first will soon be last

And in the ground we may be lain

But a seed is sown to rise again

So we walk proudly

And we walk strong

All together

We will go as one

The ground is empty

And cold as hell

But we all go together when we go

Knock 'em dead, kiddo.

Yeah.

Thanks, Tony.

See you, sunshine.

We saw a land where wealth was shared

Each pain relieved, each hunger fed

Each man revered, each tyrant killed

Each soul redeemed, each life fulfilled

From each man's means to each his need

We saw a time man would be freed

We fought for all the things we saw

The battle's lost but not the war

So we walk proudly

And we walk strong

All together

We will go as one

The ground is empty

And cold as hell

But we all go together when we go

We will go down but our heads are proud

We will go down with our voices loud

We will go down but come again

And we all go together when we go

And we all go together when we go

We walk proudly and we walk strong

All together we will go as one

The ground is empty and cold as hell

But we all go together when we go

We walk proudly and we walk strong

All together we will go as one

The ground is empty and cold as hell

But we all go together when we go

We walk proudly and we walk strong

All together, we will go as one

The ground is empty and cold as hell

But we all go together when we go

We walk proudly and we walk strong

All together we will go as one

The ground is empty and cold as hell

But we all go together when we go

You'd forget your head if it was loose.

Bye, Mum.

Bye, Billy.

See you soon?

No. I don't think so. Do you?

No. Not really. I wrote you a letter.

A letter?

Me reply.

It's a bit scrumpled.

Dear Mum...

"And please, Mummy know that

"I will always be

"Proud to have known you

"Proud that you were mine

"Proud in everything

"And I promise you this, Mummy"

In everything you do

Always be yourself

Mummy

And I always will be true

Love you forever

Love you forever

Love you forever

Billy.

Mum.

Bye, Mum.

Oi, dancing boy!

See you, Michael.

Yeah, see you, Billy.

Lights!

Girls!

Now, boys!

Oh, yeah!

One more try!

Six, seven, eight!

Five, six, seven, eight!

It doesn't matter if you're large or small

Trapezoid, or short or tall

Even if you can't dance at all

All you really got to do is shine

It doesn't matter if your life's a mess

The whole process will coalesce

Just try to effervesce

All you really gotta do is shine

Everyone is different It's the natural state

It's a fact, it's plain to see

The world's grey enough without making it worse

We need individuality

'Cause what the hell is wrong with expressing yourself?

What we need is individuality

Move over, dancing boy.

It's time for the next generation.

Whoo!

Five, six, seven, eight!

Keep on smiling!

Oh, yeah!

Oi! Oi! Oi!

We've got to have something better than that.

We need some backup.

Five, six, seven, eight!

Let's do this!

One!

Two!

Three!

Four!

Finish!