STRAP yourselves in folks for the emotional rollercoaster that is Billy Elliot.

This musical has you laughing one minute and crying the next and by the end of the three-hour show you feel exhausted but elated at the same time.

It’s an unlikely tale for a smash-hit musical but it’s worked splendidly for 11 years in the West End and is showing no sign of stopping now it’s hit the road.

You all know the story – little Billy wants to be a ballet dancer and his dad’s more determined that he goes to boxing classes.

Set in the troubled days of miner’s strike in the 1980s, it has many poignant moments as the characters struggle to deal with the hardship of everyday life while finding things out about themselves that they never knew.

The title role of Billy is shared by four boys and last night saw Emile Gooding put in a spectacular performance, leaving many of us weeping into our ice creams.

He's only 11-years-old but he looks like he's been on the stage for much longer than his years suggest.

He and his mate Michael, cleverly played by Bradley Mayfield, brought the house down when they donned women's clothing for a dazzling performance among 8ft dancing dresses.

And Emile refused to be outshone by the massively experienced artists playing ballet teacher Mrs Wilkinson and the surprisingly wonderful Mr Braithwaite in a breath-taking tapping and skipping number.

Add to that some technically brilliant ballet and flying and you've definitely got the wow factor.

This show has won every award going and it’s not hard to see why. Tony and Olivier Awards have rained down on it during its decade in London and a hugely successful stint on Broadway.

The fabulous musical score comes courtesy of none other than Sir Elton John and you’ll be humming away to yourself all the way home.

Billy’s in town at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton until March 4 but don’t be fooled into thinking you’ve got weeks to buy your tickets – they’re selling fast.

And also be warned against thinking it’s the place for your little five-year-old ballet fans – it’s too long for them for a start and there are enough swear words for them to copy to keep them in trouble for months.

But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out – get a babysitter, pack your tissues and get set for a night to remember.