'Billy Elliot the Musical' receives raves

LONDON, May 14 (UPI) -- British actors and singers were joined by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott at the London opening of "Billy Elliot the Musical."

Elton John wrote the music for the stage adaptation of the all-singing, all-dancing show, which has received rave reviews from theater critics, the Daily Mail reported Saturday.

"I feel ecstatic, I feel relieved, I feel a sense of pride," John said. "I'm so proud to have been a part of it."

Hugh Grant and girlfriend Jemima Khan, Elizabeth Hurley and boyfriend Arun Nayer, Lulu, Bob Geldof and Graham Norton all attended the Friday evening opening at London's Victoria Palace Theatre.

The musical is an adaptation of director Stephen Daldry's movie, about a child's ambition to win over his father and pursue his love of ballet during the 1984 miners' strike.

In the stage version, the starring role is shared by three youngsters: James Lomas, George Maguire and Liam Mower.