Things to do in London

Backstairs Billy featuring Luke Evans and Penelope Wilton, unveils full cast

Last Updated:

Discover the complete cast for Backstair's Billy's West End premiere, featuring Luke Evans and Penelope Wilton.

The Michael Grandage Company has unveiled the full cast of Backstair's Billy, a world premiere of Marcelo Dos Santos' production. The play is set to open at Duke of York's theatre on 7 November, 2023.



Backstair's Billy : Cast and creatives

Joining previously announced Penelope Wilton as the Queen Mother and Luke Evans as Billy are Emily Barber (Annabel Maud/Lady Astlebury) who reunites with Evans after The Alienist, Iwan Davies (Gwydion), Ian Drysdale (Kerr), Ilan Galkoff (Young Billy), Eloka Ivo (Ian), Michael Simkins (Mr Harrington-Bahr/Hugo McCoyd), Nicole Sloane (Mrs Harrington-Bahr/Lady Adeline), with David Buttle, Amy Newton, Keanu Adolphus Johnson, Georgie Rhys, and Jacob Ethan Tanner.

This production signifies a reunion between Grandage and Wilton, whose previous joint efforts encompassed productions like The Chalk Garden, John Gabriel Borkman, and Hamlet. Furthermore, Evans graced the Donmar stage twice during Grandage's artistic directorship, starring in Small Change and Piaf. Notably, Dos Santos received the MGCfutures Bursary in 2019, a charitable initiative established by Grandage to nurture various facets of the theater industry. Following their introduction through the bursary program, MGC entrusted Dos Santos with the task of crafting "Backstairs Billy."

The group of creatives encompasses set designer Christopher Oram, who collaborates with costume designers Oram and Tom Rand. Lighting design is orchestrated by Ryan Day, with music and sound design by Adam Cork. Carole Hancock takes the helm as the wigs, hair, and makeup designer. Overseeing casting is Jacob Sparrow, while Sophie Drake serves as the associate director, and Mary Charlton fulfills the role of costume supervisor.

The play delves into a pivotal juncture in the remarkable 50-year companionship between the Queen Mother and her devoted servant, William "Billy" Tallon. Witness the full cast of Backstair's Billy with nothing other than excitement. Make sure to book your tickets in advance!




Check out the Duke of York's Theatre Seating Plan to get the best seats.

Be sure to check out our guide on the seating plan for West End theatres!