 Elton empathised with Billy's story |
It's a moving story of one boy's passion for dance set against a backdrop of industrial action.
Billy Elliot is in the process of making the leap from the big screen to the stage.
Sir Elton John's role in the Billy Elliot project has however seen him confined to a role behind the scenes.
That hasn't lessened the flamboyant performer's enthusiasm for the task of completely re-working the score for the production
Breakfast sent reporter Julia Botfield to Las Vegas where she caught up with Sir Elton who's currently playing at Cesar's Palace
He told Jules how writing the score for the film resonated with his own life. Billy's love of dance is not shared by his father.
The story is set in a tough northern town during the miners' strike in 1984 which provides a moving contrast between dance and industrial action.
Sir Elton said the film made him sob because of the conflict he experienced with his own father during the early part of his career.
Rehearsals
The show isn't due to open until 13 May, and the cast are still busy rehearsing, and there are previews to think about.
But Sir Elton says he's made regular transatlantic phone calls, to check how progress with rehearsals is going.
He told Jules that he is expecting to be nervous on the opening night, but he wasn't planning on following the current trend of doing a show about his own career.
You can see part two of our interview Sir Elton on Tuesday bout his Aids foundation, fundraising, and his recent trip to South Africa.
Billy Elliot opens at London's Victoria Palace theatre, the show is currently previewing and opens on 13 May
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Watch Julia Botfield's interview with Sir Elton in Vegas 
