### Layton Williams Makes Waves on Broadway with ‘Titanique’
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In the heart of New York City, Layton Williams is making quite the splash with his performance in the hit musical *Titanique*, which has earned him a nomination for the 2026 Tony Awards. This marks a significant milestone in his career, making his Broadway debut a moment to remember. Williams, originally from the UK, is captivating audiences not only with his dynamic presence but also with his theatrical energy, which has proven to be both a highlight and a source of mischief at the St. James Theatre.
In *Titanique*, a comedic reinterpretation of the tragic tale of the 1997 film *Titanic*, Williams takes on a uniquely playful role as a Tina Turner-inspired incarnation of the iceberg that sealed the ship’s fate. Adorned in glamorous drag attire complete with sky-high heels, a sparkling mirrored dress, and an icy blue wig, he delivers a powerful rendition of Turner’s classic “River Deep — Mountain High,” culminating with a spectacular split that has become a hallmark of his performance. However, this show-stopping move has raised a few eyebrows backstage.
Williams openly shared his light-hearted frustrations regarding the damage his moves have inflicted on the theatre stage. “I’ve actually been in trouble quite a lot,” he joked in a recent interview. “They keep coming up to me complaining after the show, and I’m like, ‘Stop. You’re trying to make this a me problem and it’s a you problem!'” His confidence in his presence on stage stands out, as he quips, “I’m not a big girl. The stage should be able to handle me.”
Despite the stage-related mischief, audiences have been thrilled with his performance, which has consistently garnered enthusiastic applause. Night after night, Williams’ ability to engage with the crowd and showcase his exceptional vocals, dance skills, and magnetic charisma has firmly secured him a place in the hearts of Broadway fans.
At 31 years old, Williams has been honing his craft since he was 11, when he debuted in *Billy Elliot: The Musical*. He has since become well-known to UK audiences through various projects, including the BBC comedy *Bad Education*. His stage credentials are impressive, having appeared in productions such as *Hairspray*, *Rent*, *Cabaret*, and *Everybody’s Talking About Jamie*. His star power was further solidified on the dance floor as a finalist on *Strictly Come Dancing*, showcasing his dynamic routines and vibrant personality.
The recent Tony nomination is a testament to his hard work and dedication over nearly two decades in the industry. Reflecting on this accomplishment, Williams stated, “I’m almost 20 years in this biz and to be able to finally make it to Broadway is such a massive bucket-list tick.” He relishes every moment on stage, showcasing his ambition and enthusiasm for the role he has long desired.
Although *Titanique* is scheduled to conclude its Broadway run on September 20, Williams has no intention of disappearing from the scene. “This is not the last that you guys are seeing of me. I need to Marisha Wallace this place,” he asserted with a playful smile, referencing the American performer who flourished after relocating to the UK.
However, being away from close family and friends, including his boyfriend Harper James, has presented its own challenges during his Broadway journey. James, who has been Williams’ partner for nearly three years, is set to attend the Tony Awards with him. Due to the strict guest limits at the ceremony, the couple has devised a plan to switch seats for the second act, ensuring they can share this significant moment together.
Williams expressed the importance of having his loved ones by his side during this pivotal time, particularly praising James for his unwavering support. “He’s been a rock throughout this transition,” Williams shared. “I just love how he lets me shine and do my thing.”
As Williams navigates the whirlwind of his Broadway debut and Tony nomination, his approach to the infamous stage split has also evolved. Understanding the necessity of balancing spectacle with stage integrity, he shared, “I’m doing less of a big jump so I can save the stage. I’m still giving the audience what they want, me and the carpenters, we’re friends now. So you’re welcome, Broadway. We fixed it.”
With tickets for *Titanique* currently available and anticipation building for the Tony Awards on June 7, 2026, Layton Williams is undoubtedly a rising star to watch. As his reputable presence continues to make waves, he is set to leave a lasting impression on the world of theatre, both in the US and beyond.