Aberdeen’s own Leading Lights are delighted to return to the Aberdeen Arts Centre stage in style, strutting their stuff with their 30th anniversary production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie!
Inspired by the real-life story of Jamie Campbell, this award-winning, uplifting musical follows a teenager with big dreams and a bold vision: to wear a dress to his school prom and pursue a future as a drag queen. As Jamie navigates the challenges of bullying, prejudice, and self-doubt, he finds unwavering support from his loving mum, his loyal friend Pritti, and the fabulous former drag star, Loco Chanel. The result is a heartwarming and defiant journey of courage, identity, and the pursuit of self-expression.
Following a BBC documentary that brought Jamie’s story to light, the remarkable journey inspired the hit musical with a catchy score by The Feeling’s Dan Gillespie Sells and a quick-witted book by Tom MacRae. Premiering in Sheffield in 2017, before making its way to London’s West End in the same year, embarking on multiple successful UK and international tours, and more recently adapted into a feature film (2021), the show is a vibrant celebration of individuality, community, and self-acceptance – themes that feel more relevant and poignant now than ever before.
Leading Lights attracts some of the best talent in Aberdeen’s youth amateur dramatic scene and are clearly spoilt for choice. As such, the roles of Pritti, Hugo/Loco Chanelle, Miss Hedge, and Ray are double cast. I was delighted to attend the opening night performance, with the following cast members also appearing in these roles in Friday night’s performance.
Cameron MacRae shines in the title role of Jamie New, leading a talented cast of 49 with charisma, confidence, and remarkable stage presence. His vocals are effortless and dynamic, particularly in numbers like “Wall in My Head”. MacRae displays excellent contrast within the emotionally charged second act, exploring layers to the character with care. MacRae brings depth to Jamie’s character arc, balancing vulnerability, sass, and strength, while his comedic timing and connection with fellow cast members are simply top-tier – all while strutting in heels!
Aimee Dugid is an absolute standout as Jamie’s mum, Margaret New. A total contrast to her previous role as Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act with Leading Lights last year, Dugid’s performance here is filled with soul and sincerity. Her powerful, soulful vocals in “If I Met Myself Again” and “He’s My Boy” are worthy of a West End stage alongside a performance that is a masterclass in musical storytelling. Her chemistry with MacRae creates a truly believable mother-son relationship. Dugid is beautifully supported by Abbie Menzies as Ray, Margaret’s best friend and the ever-supportive “auntie who’s not really your auntie.” Menzies offers a compelling mix of humour and heart, portraying Ray’s protective loyalty with strong character choices and comic timing.
Eilidh Findlater delivers a truly beautiful performance as Pritti Pasha. She captures Pritti’s quiet strength and growing confidence with sincerity and charm. Her vocals in “Spotlight” and “It Means Beautiful” are clear highlights – calm, controlled, and gorgeously sung. Her scenes with MacRae are a joy, highlighting a friendship that feels genuine and endearing.
Efosa Okuonghae brings warmth and sass to the dual role of Hugo and his drag alter ego, Loco Chanel. He captures Hugo’s mentoring spirit well as he tackles the challenging number of “The Legend of Loco Chanel (and the Blood Red Dress)”, supported by the fabulous trio of Alex McRobb (Sandra Bollock), Jaiden Wiedeman (Tray Sophisticay), and Daniel Falconer (Laika Virgin). The three deliver excellent solo moments and are particularly engaging as a unit – oozing character, charm, and charisma.
Megan MacMillian gives a strong performance as Miss Hedge, capturing the character’s firm, rule enforcing exterior while allowing glimpses of her care for her students. Her vocals in “Work of Art” are commanding, alongside Zak Leyni as Dean – the school bully we all remember too well. Leyni navigates Dean’s inner conflict with maturity, giving a layered portrayal of insecurity beneath the tough exterior.
Performing on Thursday and Saturday are: Nandi Dosar as Pritti, Finlay Swan as Hugo/Loco Chanel, Tanai Daspan as Miss Hedge, and Sarah Reynolds as Ray.
The supporting featured ensemble is brimming with infectious energy and commitment throughout. This includes Amber Fowlie (Becca), Lauren Taylor (Bex), Leah Elrick (Vikki), and Isla Reaper (Fatima). Other featured ensemble roles include Aiden Smith (Cy), Caleb Bremner (Sayid),, and Calum Casey-McKay (Levi).
Further ensemble includes: Chloe Connell-Meek, Erica Crichton, Jazmin Durno, Holly Easton, Holly Ellis, Grace Evans, Freya Galashan, Payton Greig, Iona Haggart, Lottie Hingston, Nadia Krawczyk, Miley Leslie, Emma Lewis, Evie Longhurst, Elizabeth Martin, Naomi McIntyre, Abbie McPhee, Izzy McRae, Sophia Mearns, Emma Miller, Amy Morris, Ava-Lily Reid, Beth Rollo, Celia Roy, Aimey Scott, Aimee Webb, and Yasmin Wiseman.
It is very clear that the entire cast, as an ensemble, have a lot of fun throughout the show, with goosebump worthy harmonies led by Director and Musical Director Rhonda Scott, and energetic choreography by Mhorag Anderson. Their energy as a collective on stage was incredibly infectious as an audience member, particularly in the opening number ‘And You Don’t Even Know It’, titular number ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’, and ‘Out of the Darkness’. It certainly is a challenging show that I have often thought feels more of a play with music, rather than your typical musical, upon previous viewing. MacRae’s book explores many themes and narratives that often hold a mirror directly up to society and dialogue heavy scenes to explore such. However, the company of 49, led by director Rhonda Scott, have taken this entirely in their stride, delivering a fabulous performance, lighting up the Aberdeen Arts Centre stage accompanied by a fantastic band of local musicians. Ultimately, this is what youth theatre should be – and is – all about. And did I mention they did it all in heels?!
Lighting design by Barry Sherriffs did well to echo that of the professional production, alongside effective video wall usage provided by Scenic Projects and Granite City Events, which complemented set design by Martin Innes well.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie feels like the perfect choice for a group like Leading Lights, particularly in their 30th year. What began as a small community effort during the Torry 500 Festival in 1995 has grown into a cherished cornerstone of local youth theatre. Rhonda Scott, already a well-known music teacher in the area at the time, was invited to gather children for a parade and concert celebrating Torry’s royal burgh status. With the help of close friends from St Fittick’s Church, their children took part – and what started as a one-off performance quickly snowballed.
Later that year, the group staged a Christmas show for the local OAPs’ community dinner – and the spark was lit. Energised by the joy and talent of the young performers, Rhonda Scott and her team founded what would become Ragamuffins and Leading Lights. From humble beginnings in a church hall, the group now performs at Aberdeen Arts Centre with three age-based groups: Minimuffins (Preschool–P1), Ragamuffins (P2–S1), and Leading Lights (S2–18 years).
In recognition of their outstanding contribution to the community, the group was honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2005 – the highest award given to volunteer groups in the UK.
Founded and run by lifelong friends and performers from the original Limelight Theatre Group, Leading Lights continues to inspire generations of young talent across Aberdeen. Not only does the company provide space for these young people to have a creative outlet, make friends, learn new skills, and have a whole lot of fun in the process, one could argue that amateur dramatics of this standard are the first steps towards a bright professional future for some of these talented youngsters – with Leading Lights alumni continuing to tread the boards in London’s West End and across the UK in professional tours to this day.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is an inspiring celebration of self-expression, community, and courage that Leading Lights embrace with open arms as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.
The dynamic duo – Rhonda Scott and Mhorag Anderson – along with the assistance of a number of incredible volunteers who have supported the company and its youngsters over the years, have succeeded in providing opportunities for young people to star in a fantastic selection of shows – from Oliver, The Wizard of Oz, Les Misérables, Evita, Ghost, and many, many more across their 30 years – and long may this continue!
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie runs at Aberdeen Arts Centre until Saturday 27th September.
Tickets available here: https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/everybodys-talking-about-jamie
Theatre Scotland 
Leave a comment