OUR STORY

From small-town country pubs in New Zealand to the world-renowned Royal Albert Hall in London, Layton Lillas’ journey through the entertainment industry is anything but ordinary.

After graduating with a Business degree in 1996, Layton chose a different path from many of his peers. Instead of entering the corporate world, he picked up his bass guitar and hit the road, performing in a working cover band and learning the industry from the ground up. This hands-on start laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong career in live entertainment.

By the late 1990s, Layton had transitioned into artist representation and promotion, launching Showcase 2000. Between 1997 and 2001, he promoted a range of successful tribute acts, including The Australian Bee Gees—now a Las Vegas mainstay—and one of his personal favourites, Morgan Kent’s Rod Stewart tribute show.

Following a period in the UAE, Layton relocated to the UK, where in 2005 he joined The Flying Music Company as a promoter. This marked a major step up—from clubs to theatres and concert halls. During this time, he worked with legendary artists such as Glen Campbell, John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, Gerry & The Pacemakers, and The Searchers. He also promoted major production shows that went on to enjoy West End success, including The Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas, Dancing in the Streets, and Thriller Live.

In a career-defining moment, Layton fulfilled a personal dream in his final week with the company—promoting a sold-out performance of Abba The Show at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall.

Building on this international experience, Showcase Entertainment Group has grown into a leading promoter across Australia and New Zealand, delivering shows in more than 100 theatres and concert halls. The company has toured an impressive roster of international artists, including TOTO, Air Supply, The Seekers, Dr Hook, The Hollies, Village People, Bonnie Tyler, and many more. Notably, The Hollies completed five sell-out tours, while Sir John Rowles has been a cornerstone of the company’s touring success across New Zealand and Australia.

In 2018, Showcase expanded into family entertainment, partnering with Brad Thomson to secure the rights to Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat for Australia, New Zealand and most recently in 2026 the USA. Following an initial successful 40-show New Zealand tour, the production has gone on to become the world’s leading version of the show, with multiple Australian tours, a 42 city US tour and the distinction of being the first production globally to return post-pandemic in 2020.

The company has since expanded its portfolio to include major theatrical properties such as DreamWorks’ Madagascar The Musical and Shrek The Musical. Shrek alone has played over 200 performances across New Zealand, Australia and the Middle East.

Today, Showcase Entertainment Group continues to tour world-class entertainment to audiences across the world, with its head office proudly based in Hamilton, New Zealand.