Everybody's Talking About Jamie

Yasmin Al-Sheklly (25Sep23): Everybody’s Talking About Jamie - A light-hearted and empowering story with great songs What is the plot of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie about? It centres around Jamie New who is a 16 year old school-boy who has dreams of being a Drag Queen. His real self wants to go to the prom with a dress. This seems simple but for others they were stupid and ignorant towards him and all they thought of is why he should not do it. Jamie knew the person that he wanted to be and his journey before the prom. This musical has a great message which is that you should accept the person for whom they are and not for the decisions that they make. What are the themes that are explored in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie? The themes that are explored in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie are family, friendship, education, mental health, education, dreams, bullying, discrimination, homophobia, parental rejection, abandonment, and acceptance. Cast Ivano Turco was exceptional as Jamie. He had a likeable stage presence. His facial expressions were full of intent with a big smile on his face. His dancing was beautiful and he uses his whole body where movement was seamless and graceful. His vocals were full of power but soft and emotional at the same time. This was evident in ‘Ugly in the Ugly World’ a ballad that was raw and full of emotion. It was delivered superbly. Talia Palamathanan was brilliant as Pritti Pasha. Her performance was empowering and she gave some moments of pure wit too. The highlight here was the song ‘It means Beautiful’. She sings it softly as a lullaby to comfort Jamie. She sings it like an angel. She gave it simplicity and that was touching. Rebecca McKinnis was a star as Jamie’s mother Margaret. She portrays that motherly character to perfection. Her acting was sensational showing the various emotions that she goes through in tough situations from joy to sadness and frustration. It was relatable how she would sacrifice everything to ensure that Jamie is happy. The ballad that she sang was on another level. The power, emotion, and strength showing how proud she is of her son despite being different. It was breath taking to watch. John Partridge was sensational as Hugo/Loco Channelle. He did the role with panache and he made it his own. He was direct in distinguishing between the artist as a person and the drag act . He switched the dialogue of person and persona in an effortless way. Shobna Gulati was funny as Ray. She was great at cutting through the serious moments of this show to give us some comedic moments and providing momentum where the emotional scenes slowed the pace. Hayley Tamaddon shined as Miss Hedge who is a stuck up and uninspiring careers teacher. Her acting was good. We first see how sympathetic she is getting her students prepared for the true reality of life after finishing high school. This then quickly shifts to the importance of fitting into society and following what is accepted by most people. Her transitions in the character were done with ease. In addition to the main members of the cast yet the ensemble whom are a talented bunch of artists who all have energy, vitality and attitude. The team spirit was excellent to watch no matter how big or small their roles were. Sets The sets were simple but effective at the same time. It was created using blocks and a projected background that transported us to the various locations on the stage. This included the school classroom, a housing estate to a catwalk. The set changes were seamless, clean and slick. Soundtrack The soundtrack to this production was impressive. It combined a number of emotional ballads such as ‘If I Met Myself Again’ and catchy numbers featuring the title song and the opening number. They were intertwined perfectly to the important parts of the story. There was also a live band which truly brought the music to life with great orchestration. The encore at the end was lively where you were allowed to wear your hair down, sing, dance or clap. It meant that you would leave the auditorium with a smile on your face. Choreography The choreography throughout was bright, colourful, innovative and inventive. Some members of the ensemble cast gave us some great storytelling in the dance routines. This gave it some vitality and excitement. The routines in the fast numbers were glamourous and gave a sprinkle of magic. If you are looking for a musical that is funny but with serious themes, has a great cast with energetic choreography and emotion then Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the show for you. 5

QTix Codes:
Listing: L713182375
Production: T01914827552
Event: S01600830807
Venue: V754