Which show was Michael Crawford's first leading role on the West End stage?

Michael Patrick Smith, CBE (born January 19, 1942) known as Michael Crawford, is an English actor, comedian and singer. He has received great critical acclaim and won numerous awards during his career, which covers radio, television, film, and stagework on both London's West End and on Broadway in New York City.

He is best known for playing the hapless Frank Spencer in the popular 1970s British sitcom, "Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em" (which made him a household name), as well as for originating the title role in "The Phantom of the Opera".

Crawford was approached to star in the musical "Billy" (based on the novel "Billy Liar"), which opened in 1974 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London. This was his first leading man role on the West End stage and helped to cement his career as both a singer and showman. The part was demanding, requiring proficiency in both song and dance, and in preparation for the role, Crawford began taking both more seriously, studying singing under the tutelage of vocal coach Ian Adam and spending hours perfecting his dancing capabilities with choreographer Onna White.

"Billy" gave the many fans of Crawford's portrayal of Frank Spencer an opportunity to see him in a broadly similar role on the stage, and was a considerable hit (904 West End performances).