Layton Williams makes his West End debut in the smash-hit musical Billy Elliot on 26 February and in doing so becomes the first new Billy of 2007. The 12-year-old Mancunian, who lists his hobbies as dancing, singing and all types of sports, says that performing in the musical is a dream come true. The casting of Williams marks the Billy Elliot team's continued commitment to diversity. He is the first black star of the show and the second non-Caucasian to play the role. Welcome and cheers to young Layton!

Photos by Alistair Muir