Actor Layton Williams delivers masterclass to PQA students

Forty youngsters from the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) were treated to the session at the weekend.

40 students aged between 10 to 18 were led by Layton. (Image: Pauline Quirke Academy) The group, aged 10 to 18, learned routines and gained a unique insight into working in the performing arts industry from acclaimed West End and TV star Layton.

Aiden, a Red group student, said the session enhanced his understanding of the industry, while Phoebe, a Blue group student, praised the workshop's fun and interactive nature.

The workshop allowed the children to gain an insight into what it's like working in the performing arts industry. (Image: Pauline Quirke Academy) Layton is the star of shows such as Bad Education, Beautiful People, and the parody-musical Titanique, for which he recently won the Olivier Award.

He was also a runner-up in the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Layton has starred in many shows such as Bad Education, Beautiful People and the West End's Titanique musical. (Image: Pauline Quirke Academy) The weekend event marks another inspiring opportunity for PQA Welwyn Garden City students.

Recent experiences have included staging an immersive theatre experience with songs from Bugsy Malone in Shoreditch, London.

The school has more events planned for the future, including a performance of Roald Dahl's musical Matilda JR, and staging its own original stage show, Across the Line, at His Majesty’s Theatre.

The academy will be running a summer school at Ridgeway Academy from July 28 through to August 1.