Elton John and Stephen Daldry to collaborate on Billy Elliot stage musical

Playbill On-Line reports that Sir Elton John and Stephen Daldry will, respectively, compose music for and direct a stage musical adaptation of Daldry's Oscar-nominated film Billy Elliot. The show could be mounted in London as early as 2003. John's score is expected to be completed in December, after which they will workshop the show. Other artists behind the film version expected to participate are screenwriter Lee Hall, who would provide book and lyrics, and choreographer Peter Darling. While there has been no casting as yet, sources say producers are hopeful Julie Walters will reprise her role from the film. Daldry made a name for himself as a theatrical director in London and on Broadway before turning to films with Billy Elliot and his upcoming adaptation of Michael Cunningham's The Hours. John composed the original stage score for Aida, and his film score for The Lion King was also adapted for the stage.