Following a record-breaking three-year West End residency, sold-out UK & Ireland Tour and Amazon studios award-winning film, the smash-hit and critically acclaimed musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie returned to a standing ovation in Aberdeen last night, and rightfully so. Nothing short of spectacular, this production delivers glamour, heart and bite. Inspired by the true story of Jamie Campbell, a 16-year-old aspiring drag queen, is a vibrant ode to self-expression, acceptance, and the power of dreams.
From the moment the school bell rings, the audience is plunged into the colourful and dynamic world of Jamie New, a teenager from Sheffield who dreams of attending his school prom in a dress. Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight. The inventive use of space and impeccably timed lighting immediately sets the tone for a show that is as visually captivating as it is emotionally resonant.
The star of the show, Jamie, is brought to life with charisma and depth by the incredibly talented Ivano Turco. His portrayal is a perfect blend of confidence, vulnerability, and wit, making Jamie an endearing and relatable protagonist. Turcos silky smooth vocals shine in numbers like “The Wall in My Head” and “Ugly in This Ugly World” capturing the essence of Jamie’s journey with both subtlety and strength.
Complementing the lead is a stellar supporting cast. Jamie’s mother, Margaret, is portrayed by Rebecca McKinnis. With touching sincerity and a grounded nature, McKinnis delivers a performance that beautifully balances strength and tenderness. Her solo “He’s My Boy” is truly a highlight of this production, giving the audience a raw, real and powerful rendition.
Sejal Kashwala plays Margaret’s feisty best friend, Ray. Adding a delightful touch of humour and warmth, her quick wit and sharp tongue providing perfect comic relief. Keshwala and McKinnis bounce perfectly off each other with quick dialogue and gorgeous vocals.
Among the standout performances is the character of Pritti Pasha, Jamie’s best friend and confidante portrayed by Talia Palamathanan. With grace and nuance, Pritti serves as Jamie’s anchor and moral compass throughout the story. Her portrayal is heartfelt and authentic, embodying the quiet strength and resilience of a young woman who faces her own struggles with dignity and wisdom. Palamathanan’s solo number, “It Means Beautiful,” is sublime, polished with the perfect amount of grit.
Strictly Come Dancing royalty Kevin Clifton is our Hugo, aka Loco Chanelle, Jamie’s drag mentor. The role demands both depth and flamboyance, and Clifton delivers in spades, particularly in the fantastic number “The Legend of Loco Chanelle (and the Blood Red Dress).” Clifton balances Hugo and Loco with ease, both sides of his character turn scenes electric alongside Turco’s Jamie. His mentorship of Jamie is heartwarming, adding a rich layer to the narrative.
Introducing Miss Hedge… Jamie’s school career advisor and a central antagonist portrayed by X-Factor winner Sam Bailey. Providing a commanding performance, she balances Hedge’s stern exterior with glimpses of genuine concern for her students. Bailey’s vocals shine in “Work of Art”, embodying the societal pressures of prejudices that Jamie must overcome.
The ensemble cast is energetic and engaging, their choreography precise and dynamic. Numbers like “Work of Art” and “Out of the Darkness (A Place Where We Belong)” are executed with infectious enthusiasm, making it impossible for the audience not to listen to them in the car on the way home. The Eleven Girls (Anthony Gyde, Garry Lee and David McNair) support Clifton and Turco as part of their drag-family, especially during the Act 1 finale “Over The Top” with some simply stunning harmonies. While the collection of Year 11 students (Jordan Ricketts, Joshian Angelo Omaña, Liv Ashman, Rhiannon Bacchus, Geoff Berrisford, Jessica Daugirda, Annabelle Laing, Luca Moscardini, and Thomas Walton) colour the backdrop of school with the characters we know all too well from our own experiences of state education.
Musically, the score by Dan Gillespie Sells and Tom MacRae is a blend of catchy pop tunes and emotionally charged ballads. The lyrics are sharp, witty, and often deeply moving, perfectly complementing the story’s themes of identity and acceptance. The live band’s performance is gorgeous, directed by Danny Belton and consisting of Adam Smith, Matthew Billups, Jack Fawcett, Robert Greenwood, James Higginson and Claire Shaw. The sound team perhaps needs to find a slight balance between the band and the actors, as at points the band seemed to overpower during certain numbers. Despite this, they elevate and enhance the overall vibrancy of the production.
Matt Ryan builds on Jonathan Butterell’s original direction and is nothing short of visionary. Balancing heartfelt moments with the comedic, and the spectacle of intimate character studies, this production doesn’t fail to resonate on multiple levels as a compelling coming-of-age drama with sparkling musical turns.
Visually, the production is a feast for the eyes. Anna Fleischle’s design is simple yet effective. Folding out and away like a dollhouse, each piece of set establishes scenes with inventive use of space and slick set changes. Complemented by Lucy Carter’s visually stunning lighting design. Isolating corners of the stage, creating classrooms and catwalks for the cast to shine on and building on the overall spectacle. Projection is used subtly and tastefully. Luke Hall’s video design lights up Fleischle’s set with images of the cast, highlighting emotional beats throughout the production.
Kate Prince’s choreography dazzles with this multi-talented cast. Seamlessly blending elements of street and pop, it reflects the diverse backgrounds and youthful energy of the ensemble. Intricate formations and synchronised movements are visually captivating, while each cast member provides their own flair to the routines. Creating a gorgeous tapestry of personalities that enhance the overall narrative.
What truly sets “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” apart is its heart. This is a show that tackles important themes of self-acceptance, bullying, and the quest for identity. The narrative is uplifting without being saccharine, and its message of being true to oneself resonates deeply.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie sits centre stage at the heart of modern musical marvels. An inspiring celebration of individuality, complete with societal critique and a perfect balance of humour and sensitivity. With its stellar cast, infectious music, and distinctive design, this production will no doubt dazzle audiences all over the UK. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Jamie’s world, this production is sure to have everybody talking about Jamie for a long time to come.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is running at His Majesty’s Theatre from the 21st to the 25th May 2024.
Get your tickets here – https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/everybodys-talking-about-jamie-2/
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