Everybody’s Talking about Jamie holds a special space in the hearts of the people from Sheffield. The musical first premiered in the Steel City back in 2017 as an in-house production and has only gone from strength to strength since, with a West End transfer, multiple UK tours plus its own film adaptation.
The plot, which is based on a true story, follows Jamie New on his mission to be his true self and go to the school prom wearing a dress.
Helpfully, throughout the show there’s lots of references to the city including Meadowhall, Parsons Cross and the unreliability of the SuperTram – all of which got a big laugh from the audience on the night.
The character of Jamie New is played by Ivano Turco (Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella). Turco excels in his portrayal, showing vulnerability but also signs of humour in the role. He perfectly balances the confidence and weakness that Jamie possesses and stars as he grows into his drag personality.
He forms a great relationship with his on stage mum, Margaret, played by Georgina Hagen (Heathers). Hagen’s stunning rendition of ‘He’s My Boy’ left the audience in silence, as she was note perfect. So many in the Lyceum connected with every word that was sung and tears were shed from those in the auditorium, for good reasons, of course. Hagen also starred in the song ‘If I Let Myself Go Again.’
Margaret was never far away from her right-hand woman Ray, played on the night by Sejal Keshwala (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, West End production). Keshwala impressed with her comedic timing, one-liners and glee.
The cast were also led by Kevin Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing) and Sam Bailey (X-Factor) who starred as Hugo/Loco Chanelle and Miss Hedge respectively.
There’s no doubt that Clifton can dance, but boy he can also sing, with his rendition of ‘The Legend of Loco Chanelle’ blowing the audience away. He acted really emotively during the tender interactions with Jamie, whilst still bigging up his show-stopping numbers. His transformation between the two characters is also pretty mesmerising.
Bailey takes on the firm teacher role of Miss Hedge and delivers well in the song ‘Work of Art.’ She also smashes a rap in the opening number ‘And You Don’t Even Know It’ without even pausing.
Rhiannon Bacchus and Jordan Ricketts, playing Pritti and Dean respectively, lead a strong group of school teenagers whose energetic moves kept the enthusiasm high, with plenty of flips and tricks throughout the show.
In this tour, new visual effects are in place, which add to the musical numbers – most noticeably ‘Work of Art’ and ‘Wall in my Head’ – and also add background to the scenery used onstage.
Everything comes together, from costume to lights to the brilliant staging and leaves the audience dancing on their way out after watching this brilliant performance.
Overall, this version of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is definitely one not to be missed, with Ivano Turco leading the whole cast magnificently.
Rating: ★★★★★
The show runs at the Lyceum Theatre until the 20th April, with limited tickets available.