Reviews for the London and Sydney Billy Elliot productions were mostly positive as well, such that Americans who saw the musical overseas stated they would see it on Broadway as well.The New York Times: Billy Elliot: The Musical User Reviews

Critic Charles Spencer of the UK's Telegraph called Billy Elliot "the greatest British musical" he ever saw, praising its "warm humor" and "sheer humanity."Telegraph: Billy boy, this is the greatest musical yet (December 5, 2005) BBC critic Mark Shenton also called it "quite possibly the greatest modern dance musical since A Chorus Line."BBC: First night: Billy Elliot - the Musical (December 5, 2005)

A Variety review of the Sydney production noted Billy Elliot underwent a "slight makeover, with softer Thatcher themes" and "lighter Gordie accents" to appeal to a wider audience. The result was a "more affecting package."Variety: Billy Elliot the Musical Review (January 1, 2008)

Although Sydney Morning Herald critic Bryce Hallett thought Elton John's score was "thin" compared to Lee Hall's "raw" lyrics, Hallett still considered Billy Elliot an "expressive, flexible and near-seamless" production." Other reviews have stated John's score is not instantly memorable, but could "grow on" theatergoers over time.CurtainUp: Billy Elliot: The Musical Review