š Everybody's Talking About Jamie
š The Lyric, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2TR
š Monday 1st April 2024
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THIS MUSICAL IS A WORK OF ART
Fierce and fabulous, Everybody's Talking About Jamie steps into the spotlight this week at Theatre Royal Plymouth and boasts a sensational cast who give knockout performances.
Everybody's Talking About Jamie is loosely based on the BBC Three documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16, which follows Jamie as he embarks on a mission to make his dream a reality. He wants to wear a dress to his school prom.
The story by Tom MacRae and Jonathan Butterell is truly heartwarming yet doesn't shy away from the realities of life and as we see Jamie getting bullied at school and get disowned by his father, we really understand that "people can be bastards".
It's hard to pick a favourite song from the show as the score by Dan Gillespie Sells is so strong. Songs such as And You Don't Even Know It, Work of Art, Limited Edition Prom Night Special and the titular Everybody's Talking About Jamie are all iconic and have you heading straight to your streaming service to find the soundtrack!
Taking on the role of Jamie for this tour is Ivano Turco who sparkles as the troubled teenager fighting to set his true self free. Turco has really made the part his own and I really enjoyed the more sarcastic version of Jamie he portrayed. His vocals are strong and as he sashays his way across the stage he emits joy throughout the auditorium. You feel every emotion throughout his performance as he unashamedly opens his heart and shares his entire being with you.
Talking of emotion, Rebecca McKinnis categorically stole the show as she gave a breathtaking performance as Margaret. McKinnis is an absolute tour de force and her performance of He's My Boy completely broke me. She gave absolutely everything to the role and it is always a pleasure to be in the presence of such talent.
Kevin Clifton is just the right amount of camp as he gives a commanding performance of ageing drag queen Hugo and his alter ego Loco Chanelle. Never over the top, he is sensitive yet powerful as Jamie's sherpa through the Himalayas of drag!
This is a real ensemble piece and the entire company were flawless. Sam Bailey displayed sensational vocals as the unlikeable at times Miss Hedge, Jordan Ricketts was strong as we see the cracks in bully boy Dean and Rhiannon Bacchus was grounded and gave a good performance as Pritti.
Anthony Gyde (KY Kelly), Garry Lee and David McNair caused euphoria whenever they were on stage as the tantalising threesome Laika Virgin, Sandra Bullock and Tray Sophisticay. They were fantastically comical while showing that they had hearts the size of their fake bosoms!
I personally love a great piece of technical theatre and this production hits every aspect of this perfectly on the head. The set is somewhat industrial, yet it is multi functional and works well. The use of video projections are subtle but create exactly the right effect and the lighting perfectly refects the mood of the action.
With the miserable weather this week, step out of the darkness and into Theatre Royal Plymouth for the sensational Everybody's Talking About Jamie which is playing until Saturday 6th April. Click here for last minute tickets
This show is the perfect pick me up and I challenge you to leave not feeling uplifted and positive about life with a huge smile on your face.
Neill Kovacic-Clarke
All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.
My ticket for this performance of Everybody's Talking About Jamie was gifted by the Theatre Royal Plymouth who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.
CAST LIST:
Ivano Turco as Jamie New; Rebecca McKinnis as Margaret New; Sejal Keshwala as Ray; Rhiannon Bacchus as Pritti Pasha; Sam Bailey as Miss Hedge; Kevin Clifton as Hugo / Loco Chanelle; Anthony Gyde (KY Kelly) as Laika Virgin; Garry Lee as Sandra Bollock; David McNair as Tray Sophisticay; Jordan Ricketts as Dean; Akshay St Clair as Jamie's Dad; Joshian Angelo OmaƱa as Cy; Liv Ashman as Vicki; Takaiyah Bailey as Fatimah; Geoff Berrisford as Sayid; Jessica Daugirda as Bex; Finton Flynn as Young Loco; Annabelle Laing as Becca; Luca Moscardini as Levi; Thomas Walton as Mickey
RUNNING TIME (approx):
2 hours 40 minutes, including interval
CONTENT WARNINGS:
Flashing lights; Smoke and haze; Tobacco depictions; Strong Language; Adult themes; Bullying; Homophobia; Mild sexual refrences; Strong language
AGE RECOMMENDATION:
5 +
The Theatre Royal Plymouth is the principle home of the performing arts in the South West and is the largest and most attended regional producing theatre in the country. Their mission is to develop and deepen people's engagement with pioneering creativity in Plymouth and the South West, delivering experiences that spark delight, expression and fulfilment. The venue offers three performance spaces of various sizes, the largest being The Lyric which accommodates the big touring productions. The Drum and The Lab are smaller, intimate spaces and often offer pioneering productions.
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