'You're going to be thoroughly entertained': Layton Williams on new show ahead of Stables date
The award-winner speaks out as he heads out on tour
Theatre and TV star Layton Williams says he “can’t wait” to come to Milton Keynes with his new show.
Layton Williams Live takes audiences on a musical journey through Layton's remarkable career - from his breakout performance in Billy Elliot to his acclaimed turn in Titanique - combining show-stopping musical numbers with the humour, honesty and charisma that have made Layton a favourite with audiences across theatre, television and beyond.
Layton's recent credits include his Olivier Award-winning and Tony-nominated role as Iceberg in Titanique, as well as West End productions of Cabaret and Everybody's Talking About Jamie. On screen, he’s appeared in the BBC's Bad Education and as a finalist on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023.
He brings his new show to The Stables in Wavendon in April – and as he prepared to head out on tour, Layton spoke about the highlights of his career and why he hopes to win new fans.
Can you tell us what audiences can expect from Layton Live?
You can expect a full theatrical experience. Think mini-musical meets everything that you love about me. Singing, dancing, the acting, the drama and a lot of fun. You'll laugh, hopefully, a little tear may fall down your face, but also you're going to be thoroughly entertained.
Are rehearsals underway? How are they going?
Rehearsals are always underway in my head. Every minute of the day, I'm thinking, “that could be in the live show, this could be in the live show”. So, I'm always working away and collaborating and trying to find the best ideas to make sure that this show is going to be iconic.
What inspired you to bring this production to the stage and take it on tour across the UK?
I became aware that this was going to be my 20th anniversary in February 2027, which marks 20 years in the biz for me, and I think that's a massive milestone, especially being as young as I am. So, what better time to get on the road than now and celebrate all the things that I've done?
This tour marks 20 years since your stage debut as Billy Elliot in The West End. What has been a highlight of your career so far?
I mean, I've got to say, Billy Elliot was definitely one of the highlights – it taught me how to be a leading man. But since then, I feel very lucky to have played many iconic roles. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is definitely up there with one of them, Steven is up there with one of them on TV in Bad Education, and then, of course, we can't forget the iceberg (Titanique), because she's brought me to New York.
What are you looking forward to about being on tour?
Hopefully many of you have seen me on the road before in various venues. I am so excited to be returning back to many of these venues that I haven't visited in such a long time. But for me, going to the people that have supported me, you know, in my West End career, in any of the TV shows that I've been a part of, to actually be in your city and perform for you is so special. A director once said to me, if you go to them, they'll come to you, and it's my time to come back to you.
Why are you excited to bring the show to Milton Keynes, The Stables?
Any time I've been in Milton Keynes, I've had such a fun time. You guys always bring the vibes, and I can't wait to slay for you all.
Why should people come see Layton Live?
You should come and see Layton Live because you're going to be entertained, but also, if you have in any way, shape, or form, supported me across my journey of these last 20 years, whether that's buying a ticket to a theatre show I'm in, a movie I'm in, turning on a TV show that I'm on, all of those little things are a contribution to the person that I am now, so it's kind of a thank you from me to you. I really am going to pour my heart and soul into this! Also, if you're reading this and you're not necessarily a fan of me, trust and believe this is going to be a good introduction. So, if you leave still not a fan of me, I'll let you off, but I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen. I'm so excited to entertain you all. I'm so excited for this to be my first, I'm never going to forget it, and I can't wait to pour all of my creativity into this show.
Layton Williams Live comes to The Stables on Friday April 2. Visit stables.org or call 01908 280800 to book.