Since the Sheffield Crucible burst forth the story of Jamie New in 2017, the march of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie has been unstoppable. It has quickly became a cult and is about to go mainstream with the launch of the movie version on Amazon later this month.
Based on the BBC documentary Jamie, Drag Queen At 16 about Durham based Jamie Campbell and his quest to wear a dress to his school prom and to become a drag queen, the musical version written by Dan Gillespie-Sells and Tom MacRae seems to have won a place in the hearts of all who see it.
It will take more than Covid to stop the pupils of Mayfield High from bringing their message of inclusivity and acceptance to the world, and so it is that the UK Tour has re-commenced its assault on the nation, and never was this feel good night out needed more. Central to the theme of the show is Jamie’s homophobic Dad, stuck in that dreary Alpha male world, and Jamie’s attempts to reach out to him are fruitless. But luckily he has his Mum Margaret, a beautiful soul who recognises Jamie’s true nature and encourages it at the cost of her own happiness. She is aided by her best friend Ray, a gobby loud northern lass whom we all would love as a best friend. Jamie’s best friend is Pritti Pasha, a seemingly conservative Muslim girl with dreams of becoming a Doctor. Together they plot and plan Jamie’s ambitions to don a dress. This includes a visit to Victor’s Secrets, a shop for aspiring drag students where the gruff Hugo reveals his former drag alter ego Loco Channelle. And so the story takes flight with Jamie setting free his inner self whilst at the same time coming to terms with the difficult and destructive nature of his relationship with his Dad.
At the heart of the show are Dan Gillespie-Sells magnificent melodies, this is a pop extravaganza but with a heart, mixing high energy ensemble numbers with searing torch songs for the soul. At the centre of the tour playing Jamie New is the always incredible Layton Williams. When I saw him do a back flip in high heels during a production of Rent I knew Layton was a fearless performer. He embodies Jamie with all the camp comedy that Tom MacRae’s script demands and yet still shines light on Jamie’s fragility. It is a star performance. Entertainment legend Shane Richie brings his own comedy arsenal to the role of Hugo / Loco Chanelle. One minute cynical and waspish, the next loud and brash, Richie seems born to play Hugo and delivers a stand out reading of the character. Amy Ellen Richardson carries much of the weight of the situation upon her shoulders as Margaret New, and her two songs “If I Met Myself Again” and “He’s My Boy” are showstoppers. Shobna Gulati’s outspoken Ray is bombastic and fun. She delivers her laugh lines with panache and its easy to see why she was chosen to repeat the role in the forthcoming movie version. Sharan Phull finds the gentle but steely resolve of Pritti perfectly, her song “It Means Beautiful” is true and heartfelt and her performance is yet another of the standout moments in this superbly tuned production. The ensemble is equally as strong: Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson as school bully Dean, Cameron Johnson as Jamie’s odious Dad - not to mention a trio of drag queens in Garry Lee (Sandra Bullock), JP McCue (Laika Virgin) and Rhys Taylor (Tray Sophisticay).
Matt Ryan's direction and Katie Prince’s choreography manage to plonk us in the world of the teenager. Some topical Covid jokes have been added to the script bringing the events bang up to date, the stage positively fizzes and the long first act never lets up.
The message the show delivers about accepting everyone for who they are is a universal truth. With Jamie already established in Asia and heading to America next, truly everybody will be talking about Jamie New. His is a message of dreams, hopes and healing which we need right now. This 2021 touring production showcases just why he is out of the darkness and into the spotlight, where he will surely stay.
Rob Cope for Doctor Theatre.
Check out the latest show information at www.everybodystalkingaboutjamie.co.uk
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