I remember going to see Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Crucible in Sheffield. I was invited by a musical loving friend and five of us piled into a Mini and set off on a road trip. The journey was full of laughter and cheese puffs. When in Sheffield, we stopped off for a cheeky cocktail and ended up getting a second one for free thanks to an order error. High on life, a little alcohol and friendship, we entered the theatre. I knew nothing of Jamie and the BBC Documentary that inspired the musical written by Dan Gillespie Sells and Tom MacRae so I settled into my seat ready to be mildly entertained by a boy with aspirations of being a drag queen.  

From the opening number, I had a smile on my face. I was mesmerised as I saw a high school not too dissimilar to my own, the choreography inspired me to dance and the songs lifted my spirit. I immediately hit Spotify to enjoy the two songs from the concept album that were available at the time. On the journey home, we discussed the show at length, we applauded the diversity and fought over which was the best song. 

I leapt at the opportunity to see it again and then questioned my decision. That was a particularly wonderful day, one that I look back on fondly; but so often good memories are enhanced. What if this touring production spoils the experience of the original cast back in 2017, what if I question the show isn’t actually that great but it was enhanced by the series of events that happened around it?

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie follows Jamie New (Layton Williams) on his journey to fulfilling his dream of becoming a drag queen. The obstacles;  school bully Dean Paxton (George Sampson), uptight teacher Miss Hedge (Lara Denning), absent dad (Cameron Johnson) and a new rule that boys are not permitted to wear dresses to prom. Obviously Jamie overcomes all of these obstacles with the help of his allies: Mum, Margaret New (Amy Ellen Richardson) and her best friend Ray (Shobna Gulati), mentor Hugo (Shane Richie) and best friend Pritti Pasha (Sharan Phull). Throw in one of the hardest working ensembles I have ever seen and a few drag queens for good merit, and you have the foundations for a truly joyful show.

The touring cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie do not disappoint. Layton Williams is glorious in the role of Jamie; their soulful, silky vocals bringing elegance and depth to the role whilst maintaining an incredibly sharp wit and tongue. Sharan Phull is outstanding as Pritti Pasha, the spine tingly rendition of ‘Beautiful’ being a particular highlight. Phull’s ability to remain grounded and not compete with the larger, more extravagant characters that share the stage is exquisite and grounding for the entire piece.  

Kate Prince’s choreography is electric and inspiring. The fun fusion of commercial and hip hop wouldn’t look out of place as a TikTok trend. The ensemble deliver the routines effortlessly and with such joyful energy, you can’t help but tap a toe along. Special mention to Kazmin Borrer who, with the help of Ryan Hughes, perform a beautiful routine to the power vocals of Amy Ellen Richardson’s ‘He’s My Boy’.

Overall, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a fun and frivolous show. It tackles themes of identity and power with charm and humour whilst not diluting the trials and tribulations of finding yourself. It provides wonderful examples of unconditional love and acceptance whilst cleverly noting that everyone has their own battles and everyone is a little weird.

Get your tickets now Besties, as this is sure to sell out. Take your family and your friends as there is quite literally something for everyone in this camp, sparkly and joyful show.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Alanna Boden

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie plays at The Alexandra in Birmingham until 18 September and is currently touring until April 2022. To book tickets for select venues, please click here.