Layton Williams is a dynamic pressure in British amusement, famed for his versatility as an actor, singer, and dancer. From his groundbreaking position as the first Black Billy Elliot to his current Olivier Award-triumphing overall performance in Titanique, Williams has always damaged obstacles and championed inclusivity.
Early Life and Education
Born on September 13, 1994, in Bury, Greater Manchester, Layton Williams grew up in a various own circle of relatives with Jamaican historical past. His early ardour for overall performance led him to wait for Carol Godby’s Theatre Workshop in Bury and get hold of ballet schooling at Centre Pointe in Manchester.
Recognizing his potential, Williams secured a scholarship to the distinguished Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, accompanied by means of research on the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.
Breakthrough in Billy Elliot the Musical
At simply 12 years old, Williams made his West End debut as the titular individual in Billy Elliot the Musical. Notably, he changed into the second one character of shadeation and the primary mixed-historical past performer to play the position. His adventure to the degree changed into documented on The Paul O’Grady Show, highlighting his fast improvement in ballet and faucet regardless of no previous experience.
Expanding Horizons: Theatre and Television
Theatre Highlights
Thriller – Live: Portrayed younger Michael Jackson, showcasing his vocal and dance prowess.
Rent: Took at the position of Angel in the 20th-anniversary UK excursion.
Hairspray: Played Seaweed J. Stubbs in the UK excursion.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: Starred as Jamie New in the West End and on excursion, turning into the longest-strolling actor in the position.
Cabaret: Played the Emcee on the Kit Kat Club in 2024.
Titanique: Originated the position of the Iceberg, earns the 2025 Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical.
Television Appearances
Beautiful People (2008–2009): Played by Kylie Parkinson.
Bad Education (2012–2014, 2022–2024): Portrayed Stephen Carmichael, returning for the 2022 reunion and next collection.
The Cleaner, I Hate Suzie, and Queens for the Night: Featured in numerous roles.
I Kissed a Boy (2023): Served as the narrator for the United Kingdom’s first homosexual courting show.
Strictly Come Dancing Journey
In 2023, Williams joined the twenty-first collection of Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with expert dancer Nikita Kuzmin. The duo performed a couple of ideal rankings and completed as joint runners-up. Despite going through complaints over his dance background, Williams addressed the backlash with grace, emphasizing his dedication to the competition.
Advocacy and Entrepreneurship
LGBTQ+ and Anti-Bullying Efforts
Openly homosexual, Williams is a vocal propose for LGBTQ+ rights and anti-bullying initiatives. He has collaborated with corporations like Stonewall and Ditch the Label, handing over speeches and workshops to sell inclusivity and acceptance.
Pros From The Shows
Williams based “Pros From The Shows,” supplying dance, singing, and appearing workshops throughout the United Kingdom. The initiative aims to encourage and educate the subsequent era of performers, emphasizing authenticity and self-expression.
Recent Developments (As of 2025)
Olivier Award: Won Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for Titanique.
Cabaret: Starred because the Emcee in the 2024 manufacturing.
Personal Life: Publicly in a dating relationship with James Harper, sharing milestones on social media.
Major Theatre Roles
Billy Elliot in Billy Elliot the Musical
Williams made his West End debut in 2007 at the Victoria Palace Theatre, portraying the title position. He changed into the second one character of shadeation and the primary mixed-historical past performer to play Billy, last in the position till November 2008.
Young Michael Jackson in Thriller – Live
Following Billy Elliot, Williams took the position of younger Michael Jackson on this West End musical, appearing earlier than outgrowing the part.
Dancer in The Car Man
He achieved fame as a dancer in Matthew Bourne’s production of the Royal Albert Hall in 2015.
Duane / Understudy Seaweed J. Stubbs in Hairspray
Williams participated in the UK National Tour in 2016, first of all as Duane and later as Seaweed J. Stubbs.
Angel in Rent
He portrayed Angel Schunard in the 20th-anniversary UK excursion from 2016 to 2017.
Paul in Kiss Me, Kate
In 2018, Williams performed Paul on the Sheffield Crucible Theatre.
Jamie New in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Starting in 2019, he starred as Jamie in the West End at the Apollo Theatre, later becoming a member of the United Kingdom excursion and the U.S. most useful on the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles in 2022.
Emcee in Cabaret
From June to September 2024, Williams took on the position of the Emcee on the Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre in London.
Iceberg in Titanic
In December 2024, he originated the position of the Iceberg on this parody musical at the Criterion Theatre, earning the 2025 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical.
Workshop Participation
Halls The Musical
In 2021, Williams changed into a director in the workshop for Halls The Musical at the Turbine Theatre in London.
Layton Williams net worth
As of May 2025, there aren’t any publicly available or formally demonstrated estimates of Layton Williams’ net worth. Financial information for UK-primarily based totally performers like Williams are generally non-public except disclosed thru reliable channels.
Final Thoughts
Layton Williams exemplifies the electricity of authenticity, resilience, and determination in the appearing arts. His adventure from a younger boy in Bury to an Olivier Award-triumphing actor serves as a suggestion to many. Through his performances and advocacy, Williams maintains to venture norms and pave the manner for more inclusivity in the amusement industry.
FAQs
What is Layton Williams’ most wonderful position?
Williams is broadly diagnosed for his portrayal of Jamie New in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, each in the West End and on excursion.
Has Layton Williams gained any principal awards?
Yes, he gained the 2025 Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his position in Titanique.
Is Layton Williams concerned in any advocacy work?
Absolutely. He actively helps LGBTQ+ rights and anti-bullying campaigns, operating with corporations like Stonewall.
What is “Pros From The Shows”?
It’s an initiative based on Williams supplying overall performance workshops throughout the United Kingdom, aiming to mentor aspiring artists.
Did Layton Williams have formal dance schooling earlier than Billy Elliot?
No, he had no prior ballet or tap experience but underwent intensive training after being cast.
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