Inspired by a 2011 BBC documentary, ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ is a heartwarming and empowering musical that follows the inspiring journey of a teenage boy named Jamie New (Ivano Turco) in his GCSE year who feels the impending pressure of figuring out what he wants to be after school ends.
Living on a council estate in Sheffield, Jamie dreams of becoming a drag queen and defying societal expectations. With the unwavering support of his loving mother and a group of close friends, Jamie navigates the challenges of adolescence, self-discovery, and acceptance.
While Jamie was able to push back the taunts about being gay from some of his classmates with short, sharp, snappy statements, it was his ambition to be a drag queen that formed the premise of the show.
As Ivano puts it, “He’s just a boy who happens to be gay, and wants to be a drag queen. I think that’s a refreshing lens to have a queer character to look at through… [somebody] who’s not burdened by their queerness. I know I really felt empowered by that, watching it.”
All in all, the musical is a celebration of individuality, resilience, and the power of embracing one’s true self in the face of societal expectations, accompanied by catchy pop tunes and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages.
But Everybody’s Talking About Jamie doesn’t just focus on Jamie; everyone around him has a story to tell too, whether that be Pritti (Talia Palamathanan), Jamie’s best friend who wants to be a doctor, or Miss Hedge (Harriet Payne) who once harboured big dreams before becoming a career’s teacher.
With its blend of humour, emotion, and memorable performances (the exceptional rendition of “He’s My Boy” by Rebecca McKinnis, who plays Jamie’s mum, was one such moment), this production leaves an indelible mark – reminding everyone that there’s a bit of Jamie lurking inside each and every one of us.
Combining subtle video projections and clever scene changes, the show is peppered with equally unforgettable moments of unadulterated amusement, such as Darren Day’s captivating portrayal of Hugo/Loco Chanelle and Shobna Gulati’s persistent witty humour in her role as Jamie’s mom’s best friend.
So far, so fab; there were elements of the production, especially in act two, that could have done with a more polished and seamless execution, but I anticipate that will develop as the tour progresses. Nonetheless, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is definitely a feel-good show that will leave you in high spirits long after the curtains come down.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is on at New Theatre Oxford from Tuesday 12 December to Saturday 30 December.
The post Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: A heartwarming celebration of identity and resilience appeared first on The Oxford Magazine.
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