The West End premiere of Titanique promises to be a wild and unforgettable ride, blending campy chaos with the unmatched power of Celine Dion’s music. At the helm of this theatrical voyage is Layton Williams, a celebrated performer who brings his unique talent and charisma to the stage. In this exclusive Q&A, Layton shares his journey into the world of Titanique, what excites him most about the production, and why audiences are in for a joyous theatrical experience.
Q&A with Layton Williams
- Layton Williams, you’ve had such an incredible journey on stage and screen. How does it feel to take on Titanique in its West End premiere, and what excites you most about this production?
I am so excited to take on Titanique in the West End because I feel like, right now more than ever, people need an injection of joy… and this show is pure joy! It’s going to make you laugh, but it’s also got the most incredibly talented cast. It’s going to blow you away with the vocals, the dancing, everything. It’s been such a long time since I’ve been in a production from the beginning stage you know, taking it to the West End, and being in the room where we’re all creating it together and everybody’s new to the production. I’m super excited.
- Titanique is known for its campy chaos and nostalgia. What aspects of the musical do you think will resonate most with audiences in London?
Hopefully the humour. British people have an amazing sense of humour and this is silly but it’s also clever, it’s smart, it’s calculated. It’s definitely thought through. The team are incredible and have done this show in so many different parts of the world now, so it’s about finetuning it for a West End audience and getting that dry British humour right. I think the talent will also resonate. People will be blown away. I mean… 90 minutes of Celine Dion songs hello? How can you not be gagged?
- You’re a true triple threat – singing, dancing, and acting all seem to come so naturally to you. How have you approached preparing for a show like Titanique, which combines these elements in such an extravagant way?
This show is giving all three for sure! I’m giving it full chops. I think I might play the most characters out of everyone in the show. But best believe all of those characters have their moment. I prepare by showing up and giving it 100 every damn time.
- From Cabaret to Titanique, you’ve taken on some very diverse roles in musical theatre. How does your experience as the Emcee inform your approach to this new character and show?
You can’t really compare Cabaret to Titanique, but what I do love is that I’ve had the opportunity to show that I can do a serious show like Cabaret that’s just as dark and it is fun, but I can also do Titanique in all of its campy chaos! The reason I wanted to do Titanique is that it’s so different from the experience you’d get at the Kitkat Club. But playing the Emcee made me feel like I can do anything. Hosting that show was amazing. Funnily enough, I do take on a bit of a hosting role in Titanique too, so I suppose there is a similarity.
- Titanique is full of iconic Celine Dion hits. Do you have a favourite number to perform, and what does it feel like bringing such beloved songs to the stage?
I don’t want to give too much away, but we all know the songs, and the way some of them are being performed will really surprise you. There are moments where you’ll be like, ‘oh wow! I’m emotional at that!’. The power of these incredible performers’ voices will really knock your socks off. I’m not going to say my number’s my fave but… hello? It’s fun and I’m living.
- You won the Black British Theatre Award LGBTQIA+ Champion. How important is it for you to represent and pave the way for other young Black performers in the theatre world?
I’m very proud to be Black, British, and queer, so this award means a lot to me. I appreciate everybody voting. I love representing my community when I step on stage, whether that’s people of colour or the queer community, I’m proud to be a representative of all things bright and beautiful. And to play these amazing roles is the icing on the cake. This is probably the gayest show I’ve ever done, so I hope the girls and the gays come down and see it!
- Titanique has been described as bursting with heart and humour. What do you hope audiences will take away from seeing the show, and why should they come aboard this unique theatrical voyage?
Audiences will hopefully come away from the show thinking, ‘that is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in my life’. I hope that they’ll be grateful that they had 90 minutes of pure laughter, joy, and silliness, and it will be a reminder to still find those things even in these trying times. I hope it’s a weight being lifted off people’s shoulders. Call your girlies, have some drinks, and come and see Titanique!
Don’t miss Layton Williams and the electrifying cast of Titanique as they bring Celine Dion’s music and campy comedy to the West End. Grab your tickets now for a night of pure joy and laughter!
