‘Billy Elliot the Musical’ starring Kent teen fails to win Olivier Award

Published 11:14 am Monday, April 16, 2012

A London musical that stars a Kent teen failed to win the BBC Radio 2 Olivier Audience Award.

“Les Misérables” won the award Sunday at the Royal Opera House.

Adam Vesperman, 13, of Kent, plays the lead role in “Billy Elliot the Musical.” The other finalists were “Jersey Boys” and “Wicked.”

Vesperman performs at least two shows per week as he rotates with three others in the lead role. The cast does eight shows per week. He has been in London a year and received a contract extension to continue in the role.

“Les Misérables,” which became the world’s longest running musical when it celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2010, won the Olivier Award category decided by a public vote in the thousands at www.olivierawards.com.