Interview: Actor Ivano Turco on EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE tour
Photo credit: Matt Crockett
Hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie continues to take the country by storm during its current UK tour. We spoke to actor Ivano Turco (Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella; Get Up Stand Up - West End) who plays Jamie New in the production.
What was your first encounter with Jamie? What attracted you to this show?
My first encounter of the show was maybe when I was training at college. I’d heard a couple of people talking about the show and it got me interested; so I did some research and I began to fall in love with the role. And then fast forward a couple of years later and here we are!
How would you describe your interpretation of Jamie New?
I think my interpretation is very different to the versions that have come before. It’s the first time that I’ve got to do a show that has been done before by a few different actors so it was a fun challenge for me to try and push the boundaries and add to all the facets of the character that have been created by the actors that came before. I wanted to make him tender and doe eyed with a big heart. And for the parts where Jamie isn’t his best self, I wanted to really sit in those moments because no one is perfect. And I think the mistakes and hard times that Jamie goes through are what (in my opinion) humanises him.
What's your favourite moment to perform in the show?
I think my favourite moment to perform is the opening of the show (‘And You Don’t Even Know It’). It starts with such gloss and finesse and I don’t think the audience ever expect what is about to happen, so it’s nice to watch people’s faces in the audience light up from the moment we start.
What has it been like to work with a mix of returning and new cast members?
I really enjoy the different interpretations and perspectives that each person brings to the character - and it keeps me on my toes and it means no moment is ever the same as the others.
After performing in two very different West End shows, how are you finding touring in a major musical?
The love from the fans is so overwhelming. In the West End, we don’t get to travel and give the show to people that otherwise wouldn’t be able to come to London. And I can feel the gratefulness they have for bringing the sparkle to their hometowns. It’s a rigorous schedule but the payoff is worth it.
Why do you think audiences across the UK, and even across the world, love Everybody's Talking About Jamie so much?
I think they love it because of how realistic it is, but it also still has the glamour of a big show. The music is so current and resembles what (for the most part) we listen to in the mainstream charts. There’s so much identity and representation, and that alone is reason enough to love it!
Why should people come and see this tour and the upcoming London run of Everybody's Talking About Jamie?
You should come and see our show for the experience! Even if you’ve seen the show before, it’s an experience like no other and I guarantee it’s not to be missed!
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie continues to tour the UK until July 2024, including the Peacock Theatre, London from 8 February – 23 March 2024. Tickets for select touring venues are available to purchase here.