Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a feel good musical based on the true story of Jamie Campbell who featured in a BBC documentary in 2011. Featuring songs written by lead singer of pop group The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells, the production is packed full of catchy musical numbers, hilarious characters and of course plenty of glitter and sequins. The production visited the King’s Theatre this week.
Jamie New is a sixteen year old boy who lives with his single mum in a council estate in Sheffield. Always dreaming of being a star, Jamie is passionate about pursuing his career as a drag Queen and makes the controversial decision to attend his school prom in a dress. Supported by his Mum and his friends, Jamie embarks on a journey of self discovery as he steps out of the darkness into the spotlight to beat the bullies and truly be himself.
Moving from print to the stage in only three years, the production has won huge praise across audiences in the UK and the rest of the world. Winner of over four Olivier awards in 2018 including Best New Musical, it has toured Japan, Los Angeles and is headed to Australia, Italy and New Zealand this year.
Layton Williams dazzles as leading man Jamie with all the sass, humour and campness you would expect from the role of Jamie- but also impresses with his vocals and choreography, especially when he struts the stage in stilettos! The stand out vocals of Amy Ellen Richardson as Jamie’s Mum Margaret were a particular highlight with emotional ballad “He’s My Boy” receiving the most rapturous applause of the evening. Shane Ritchie of Eastenders fame takes up the roll of Hugo/Loco Chanelle and BGT alumni and Waterloo Road star George Sampson stars as the school bully Dean.
A fun and fabulous show.
