From courtroom to cabaret: Logan lawyer takes to stage as Billy Joel

By day he’s a mild-mannered lawyer but next week, Logan’s William Boyd will take the cabaret world by storm as piano man Billy Joel in a Footlight Theatre’s latest production.

Beenleigh lawyer William Boyd as Billy Joel and Adam Bartlett as Elton John take to the stage on October 20. Picture: Contributed

He’s long been a Billy Joel fan but now well-known Beenleigh legal eagle William Boyd is stepping into his idol’s shoes.

William Boyd, a partner at River Legal, is set to star in Piano Men, a Footlights Theatrical cabaret show featuring the classic hits of Elton John and Billy Joel.

The show also stars singer Adam Bartlett as Elton John and features a special performance by Brisbane high school teacher Michael Ware on keys and vocals.

Boyd said he couldn’t wait to take to the stage to show off, beyond a reasonable doubt, his acting skills.

“Performing is a creative release for me and stepping into Billy Joel’s shoes, even for one afternoon, is an incredible thrill,” he said.

“I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember, so bringing these timeless hits to life on stage is a real privilege.

“As a lawyer, my day-to-day is pretty structured, so having the chance to get on the mic is a refreshing change.”

Piano Men which opens at Nosferatu Distillery, Bowen Hills, next week features timeless classics including Always a Woman, My Life, Crocodile Rock, Candle in the Wind, River of Dreams, She’s Got a Way, and Rocket Man.

Beenleigh lawyer William Boyd as Billy Joel.

It is not the first time a lawyer has stepped into the limelight for Footlights Theatrical.

In April last year, top Brisbane lawyer Adrian Rich, a partner at MinterEllison, channelled John Farnham in the sellout cabaret Two Strong Hearts.

Footlights Theatrical’s artistic director Roslyn Johnson said the company always was keen to create performance opportunities for those who might not traditionally find their place on stage.

“We love giving people the chance to showcase talents they may not often get to use in their day-to-day lives,” she said.

“It’s important to us to create a space where anyone, even an underdog, can step into the spotlight and truly shine.

Piano Men is all about celebrating the music that has defined generations. Both Billy Joel and Elton John have created anthems that everyone knows and loves, so it’s going to be a nostalgic and uplifting show.”

Performers Adam Bartlett and Michael Ware are also looking forward to the show.

“Elton is a legend and a gay icon and his music is timeless, and I am excited to be involved,” Bartlett said.

PIANO MEN

■ WHERE: Nosferatu Distillery, Bowen Hills

■ WHEN: Sunday, October 20, 4pm

■ TICKETS: $35 at Humanitix