Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a pure masterpiece or like the title of the penultimate song in Act One, it is a ‘Work of Art’.
Evoking a variety of emotions (mostly happiness I should add) that really pull on your heart strings particularly when Margaret New (played by the extremely talented Amy Ellen Richardson) gave us the strongest vocal performance of the evening when singing the heartfelt ‘He’s My Boy’. As a parent myself, I felt every single word of that song. Did I well up – I sure did.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the story of Jamie New (played by the star of the show Layton Williams). Jamie is a 16-year-old school boy from Sheffield who lives with his mum Margaret. Margaret is a single parent who has dedicated her life to Jamie after her divorce from Jamie’s dad (Cameron Johnson) who walked out on the marriage when finding his son trying on dresses and now want’s nothing more to do with Jamie or his mother.
Margaret’s best friend Ray (Shobna Gulati) is like an aunt to Jamie. Encouraging his dreams and aspirations.
In a careers lesson, during the final part of his school year, he realises his dream job is to be a Drag Queen. He wants to perform, be in the spotlight and be the star of the show. Much to the dismay of Miss Hedge (Lara Denning) who wants him to “be real Jamie”.
Jamie, with the love and support of his Mum, Ray and best friend Pritti (Sharan Phull) commences his journey to become a Drag Queen, enlisting the help from the owner of the local Drag Queen Clothes store, Hugo (Shane Ritchie), also known as the best Drag Queen that ever-existed Loco Chanelle. What will Jamie’s stage name be?
With plenty of moments to make you laugh mixed with times where you want to jump on the stage and fight Jamie’s corner. This show captivates you and keeps your attention from start to finish. Knowing it is based on a true story makes the sections showing the obstacles Jamie faces in his school and community, even more emotional to watch. The homophobic Dean (George Sampson), the dad who is in denial about his sons sexuality and disowns him, the homophobic attack at the bus stop and the school teacher who objects to Jamie’s plans to wear a dress to prom and belittles him when he tries make-up out on his eyebrows. It is emotional, heart wrenching at times and I couldn’t help lying in bed last night thinking about young LGBTQ+ people who do not have the support of their Mum and friends. Those who go through all this judgment and homophobia without a support system. As my own children grow up, I hope that they can be like Jamie by following their dreams and being who they want to be. I know that I’ll be the mum there for them, exactly like Margaret.
A truly outstanding 5 star show which exceeded talent in all departments; from the acting, stage design, choreography, wardrobe design and a superb live band.
Special shout outs go to;
Sharan Phull who played the role of Pritti whose rendition of ‘It means Beautiful’ was pitch perfect. Sharan’s performance throughout the musical showed true talent.
Kazmin Borreer who played the role of school pupil Vicki, whose dance moves and presence on the stage were second to none.
Finally, last but certainly not least, Layton Williams, whose performance was exceptional. A true star with acting and singing skills that should be seen by everyone.
Go and book your tickets to see Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham here https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/ showing until Saturday 18th September 2021.
Jamie is also at local theatres; Leicester Curve (https://www.curveonline.co.uk/) from 20th September – 25th September and Wolverhampton Grand (https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/) from 5th October – 9th October 2021.
Disclaimer: We were invited to the press performance of this show. All thought and opinions are honest and entirely our own.