Note: William Gurney will be appearing as Billy in Billy Elliot the Musical (BETM) in the 2026/28 UK Tour and in the West End, from November 4, 2026 to February 26, 2028.
Debut:
Total Performances as Billy to Date: 0 (As of 31-Oct-2026)
William Gurney was 12 years old when he was named to play Billy Elliot, but had turned 13 when he made his debut as Billy on stage. He hails from Berkshire, England which is in the Southeastern part of the country. William (he like to be called “Will”) is a full time student at Sylvia Young Theatre School. William also enjoys musical theatre at SSG Academy of Dance.
He has extensive prior performing experience and, in fact, is the most seasoned West End and screen veteran of the four boys playing Billy in this production. Unlike his three costars who come primarily from the world of pure dance competition or classical ballet academies, William brings a powerhouse “triple-threat” resume across West End musical theatre, classical ballet and prime-time British television.
William has appeared in The Nutcracker (Royal Ballet) and, in July of 2025, it was announced that William would join the Royal Shakespeare Company’s cast of Matilda the Musical in the role of Tommy.
William has also has extensive television acting experience having appeared in such programs as Strike, Call the Midwife, Motherland and Silent Witness (all on BBC), Midsummer Murders (ITV) and Breeders (Sky One).
In 2024 William appeared in Sophie Ellis Bextor’s music video Freedom Of The Night.
In competitive dance, William has competed in the Dance World Cup in Portugal and Czechia and was an All England Dance Finalist. He loves to teach himself routines from some of his favourite choreographers and choreographing routines for his friends is a favorite!
William is perhaps the most social of the English Billys, with his outgoing personality. When he is not dancing, he is chatting, laughing and playing games.
Upon his debut as Billy, William will become the (number) performer in the world to bring the title role of Billy Elliot to life on stage in a professional, regional or community theatre production of the musical.
For more information about William, visit:
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