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Everybody's Talking About Jamie - glitter in the grey

★★★★★

Since its first premiere in 2017, it seems that the theatre world - and beyond - haven’t stopped talking about Jamie. And it’s easy to see why.


Photo by Matt Crockett


The inspired true story about a teen drag queen with dreams of wearing a dress to prom is still an A* production.

This current cast; led by an impeccable Ivano Turco, who leaves a blaze of blonde braids and curls behind him, alongside a melancholic Rebecca McKinnis as his mum, and Talia Palamathanan (beautifully understated) as his shy but sure sidekick Pritti Pasha, are top of the class from previous iterations.


At their final stop of this mammoth tour, which included a stop off in the West End, the company have one final surge of energy under the masterful direction of Matt Ryan (original direction by Jonathan Butterell). Dan Gillespie Sells' and Tom MacRae's book is stiletto sharp, with cutting words from school bullies and sucker punch retaliations. Each plot point is punctuated by slick breakdance choreography by Kate Price, performed with ease by one of the most hard-working ensembles on any stage, who form a colourful year 11.


Anna Fleischle’s box like staging opens Jamie’s world – school desks become garden walls and catwalks, a warm yellow kitchen where the kettle is always boiling, a frock shop with famed drag queens on the walls. A classroom’s fluorescent strip lighting turns into editorial runways, and Sheffield mid-terrace bedrooms are filled with twinkling stars, thanks to Lucy Carter's lighting designs.


Sitting atop the action are the band, led by Danny Belton. They take the big pop score and turn up the volume and energy. Gleeful numbers roll into heartbroken ballads and voguing club tracks. McKinnis has soulful, showstopping turns in both acts with “If I Met Myself Again” and “He’s My Boy”.


There are some tough to watch moments in the show. There are racist and homophobic slurs. It’s sweary. There’s a lot of heartache. But it’s real and raw and audiences are afforded time to sit with their feelings. The glitter in the grey comes from the comedy: Ray (a brilliant Sejal Keshwala), high school zings, Jamie’s eyebrow faux pas, and a merry band of Legs 11 queens.


Not forgetting X Factor winner Sam Bailey, who on home turf takes swipe at reality TV, and Kevin Clifton’s surprising turn as Hugo/Loco Channelle. His take borders on erratic, a tortured artist devoted to Jamie as his protégé. He shows a vulnerability that has been missed before, and the performance is all the better for it.


This tour might be coming to an end but I have a feeling Everybody’s Talking About Jamie won’t be out of the spotlight for too long. We’re just waiting to see who’s next to step in to the red heels.

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