Billy Elliot stars give Starship patients a sneak preview of the show

Rima Te Wiata signing Billy Elliot posters at Starship Hospital in Auckland. Photo / Supplied

Patients at Auckland Starship hospital were given a musical treat from a couple of the rising stars in the upcoming production of Billy Elliot.

Stanley Reedy and Jaxson Cook are a couple of the young lads sharing the role in the Auckland Theatre Company musical, produced by ASB, opening on October 7.

Alongside actress Rima Te Wiata, who is playing Billy's grandma, they gave the children and their families a sneak preview of their performance on Thursday afternoon before sticking around to answer a few questions and sign a few autographs.

For those unable to come to the makeshift stage the actors took some time out in the afternoon to pay them a visit on the wards.

Haley McLaughlin, mother of a 2-year-old in Starship's oncology ward, said it helped break up the usual monotony of life in hospital.

"It was a great way to expose children and adults to the world of theatre and dance, and a nice way to take everyone's minds off the serious stuff that happens at Starship for a while."

One of the youngest to meet the stars was 3-month-old Ian Tulia, who was accompanied by his mum Kalo Tulia.

Starship Foundation chief executive Brad Clark said it was part of the foundation's vision to help make life just a little bit easier for the hospital's young patients.

"Amongst investing in ward refurbishments, new medical technology and clinical research, whenever possible we aim to provide a little 'magic' for young patients during their stay in the hospital.

"We're thrilled that thanks to the support from our long-standing partner ASB, patients and their families were treated to a great performance from some of the cast of Billy Elliot the Musical."