THE screen hit Billy Elliot, set in the North-East, is being turned into a stage musical.
Elton John is writing songs for a London West End show based on the award-winning British hit.
The movie, which was shot in and around Easington Colliery, made a star of Billingham teenager Jamie Bell. He won the Bafta best actor award for his performance as a miner's son who dreams of being a ballet dancer.
The screenplay earned an Oscar nomination for Newcastle-born writer Lee Hall. He is writing the book and lyrics for the stage show.
Stephen Daldry, who directed the movie, is one of those involved in the theatre project.
He said: "Elton has written quite a large number of songs for Billy Elliot the Musical.
"Certainly everyone who has listened to Elton's music is pretty interested. We are moving ahead, but the timescale is unknown."
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