Layton Williams is currently starring in the 20th Anniversary production of the cult classic RENT which tours the UK with a stop in London's St James Theatre from 8th December - 28th January. His other credits include Hairspray (UK tour), Thriller! Live (Lyric Theatre) Billy in Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace), The Car Man (UK tour) and on television Bad Education and Beautiful People.
You came into the professional theatre business rather early, as one of the original Billy Elliots in the West End. How was that whole process?
You came into the professional theatre business rather early, as one of the original Billy Elliots in the West End. How was that whole process?
It was pretty special. My story is very much the Billy
Elliot story - I auditioned with very little experience when I was 11. I hadn't
done a ballet class or had any professional training but they must've seen
potential I guess.
What is it like to have such pressure at such an early
age? Did you realise at the time what big a deal it was?
I absolutely had no clue. When I speak with people now about
it they say they remember all the talk and controversy about this new
"Black Billy"! I was just enjoying the ride as a child and luckily
it never really stopped.
The Billy's got together a lot towards the end of the
West End run, as there was so much to celebrate. Can you see bright futures for
the more recent Billys?
Yes we did a few times and it was always so lovely catching
up with everyone after all these years. Some boys went on to do the complete
opposite to performing but some stayed at it. One of my best friends Liam Mower
is loving his life in Matthew Bourne's New Adventures company so it was amazing
to work with him. Others have gone on to do many West End shows, Game of
Thrones – and I mean Tom Holland is Spider Man, that's pretty
epic! Who run the world?? – ‘Ex Billy's!’ I’m very proud of
everyone's achievements - bright futures indeed in whatever path they take. You
can't take away that work ethic.
How do you go from being a Billy, back to school - was it
back to normal life until you were old enough to perform professionally in
adult casts?
It was back to normal life for a very short time for me. As
well as Billy I'd made my first professional TV debut in BBC's 'Beautiful
People' so all the kids back in my hometown had seen it. I found it hard to
settle back, as my life and heart were in London. Luckily, 'Beautiful People'
was commissioned a second series, so I came back to London to film. Whilst
filming I landed a place at Italia Conti and permanently moved to London at 14.
Everything seemed to fall in place and it was perfect.
Matthew Bourne is a natural progression from Billy
Elliot, not without hard work I'm
Working with Matthew and the New Adventures company opened
my eyes to the world of storytelling through dance and movement. It's such a
beautiful blend. Yes we dance of course but what amazed me was that there was
so much more to it than just putting the steps together. If you can't act, how
is the audience going to know what's going on? I first fell in love with his
work after seeing his production of Cinderella on a school trip. I never
thought I would be technically good enough to be in the company, I'm not a
ballet dancer at all but as I said, it's more than that. There are so many
dancers from different trainings and backgrounds which makes the New Adventures
company so unique. I miss them all dearly. It's such a family. Hopefully if the
time is right, I'll perform with them again.
How was the UK tour of Hairspray for you, understudying
Seaweed would have given you some opportunities to showcase your dance skills?
In fact the complete opposite. Dancing is my comfort
zone. Drew McOnie’s choreography was life and I loved dancing it. What I didn't
know though was if I could sustain a leading vocal for 8 shows a week. It was a
big deal for me, as the last time I sang professionally on
Now a role of a different kind, Angel Schunard in Rent.
What made you want to be part of this production?
Angel has always been a dream role for me, so when the
opportunity came to audition for it I jumped at the chance.
RENT has quite a following, is it a show and fandom you'd
been hugely aware of before?
I guess Billy had a big following but as a child I didn't
really take much notice. However with RENT, it's so lovely seeing the
'Rentheads' out in force multiple times a week watching the show. That's just
here in North Wales, so I can't imagine what it'll be like in London. It's fab.
I love it when shows touch people's hearts so much that they want to be there
with you as much as they can every step of the way.
Is drag something you'd ever considered doing?
I hadn't actually. The only reason I'm doing it now is for
the role however I am reallllllly enjoying it. I'm such a Ru Paul fan.
Currently on season 7. Taking my time. I learnt so much from the show though to
help with my makeup for Angel. 'Beating' your face is not easy, it's an art.
Who knows, after this contract I may make a reappearance in drag...!
Do you get to apply any of your dance background to this
role?
Absolutely. I'm so thrilled with what Lee Proud our
choreographer has created with my role. We had a great relationship anyway
because we worked together on Billy Elliot, there were no limits when it came
to choreographing my 'Today 4 U' ! The whole number is a dance
Do you have a favourite song from RENT? Everyone loves
Seasons Of Love, but is there one that's perhaps overlooked?
I personally love 'I'll Cover You'! It's such a beautiful
song and is performed twice in the show in two very different ways. Ryan
O'Gorman who plays Collins (Angels lover) brings the house down with his 'I'll
Cover You Reprise'... Such a beautiful and emotional performance.
Do you have a favourite moment in the show?
It has to be ‘Today 4 U’. I'm completely in my element and I
hope people feel the same when they see it.
Interview by Scott Bird
