Introducing Billy Byers: alumni of Cumnor’s Class of 2020
Our alumni, whom we call Old Cumnorians (or OCs), follow a wide variety of paths on leaving Cumnor aged 13, but the lasting connections formed during their early years, especially between pupils and staff, speak volumes. We are very proud of all our OCs and enjoy keeping in touch as their journeys post-Cumnor progress.
One prime example is Billy Byers (Class of 2020), who began his dance and musical theatre journey at the age of just five. In November 2024, while a pupil at Hurst where he moved after Cumnor, he landed the role of the Artful Dodger in a new West End production of Oliver! produced by Cameron Macintosh and choreographed by Matthew Bourne. Despite nearly not auditioning due to the role clashing with his A-levels, this was the opportunity of a lifetime.
Billy’s love of the stage was sparked at a young age, but it was his role playing Peter Pan in Year 7 at Cumnor that really propelled him forward, and he has carried Cumnor’s values into later life.
“Aim High, Be Kind and Dare to be Different is so appropriate,” Billy says on Cumnor’s core values. “I have always tried my best, it is so important to be nice to everyone on set or in a theatre company and daring to be different has encouraged me to pursue a route that is risky and unconventional.”
