I’m unsure that these concerned within the 2011 BBC Three documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16 and certainly its topic Jamie Campbell, thought that this story of a British college boy from Bishop Auckland who comes out as a drag queen at his end-of-school promenade, would have impressed a smash-hit musical that went on to a record-breaking run within the West End, subsequent UK excursions, and a film in 2021. Seven years on from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’s debut on Shaftesbury Avenue, the musical remains to be going sturdy, once more touring the UK.
Since the unique documentary’s launch, it has helped propel the dialog on gender id ahead. The story of the true teen who suffered fixed abuse, even by the hands of grown adults who would shout slurs at him as he walked the road, has impressed many to share their tales, to hunt some consolation in his story.
The story is relocated to Sheffield and Jamie New desires of being a drag queen, however within the depths of Yorkshire, this working-class lad has a battle on his palms. It’s a spot the place Jamie Campbell himself says the “men were men and the women were women”.
Despite the bullying grinding him down, drag offers him with confidence and helps defend his vulnerabilities, and with the love and help of his mum who solely needs him to be his true self, and his shut pal, he takes on the prejudices of the college employees and the bigger neighborhood. Jamie finally finds his drag persona, however not with out some setbacks. The ‘real’ Jamie discovered not a single promenade gown store in the entire of the North East would let him strive any on as a result of he was a boy. In the musical enter Loco Chanelle native gown store proprietor and legendary drag diva. Jamie ultimately navigates his approach to the promenade and his fairy story evening within the highlight.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie could be very a lot in the identical vein as that different Yorkshire film and musical about working class people – Billy Elliot. It can be celebratory affair: an excellent salute to distinction, an enormous thumbs up for individuality. A narrative of the extraordinary made extraordinary.
The songs by The Feeling frontman Dan Gillespie Sells and author Tom MacRae present the right automobile for the motion: upbeat and explosive within the first act and extra reflective through the second. The choreography is tight however permits for youthful power and enthusiasm. The band are pin sharp all through. Anna Fleischle’s set transforms seamlessly between college, store, mum’s kitchen, dad’s home and greatest pal Pritti’s bed room.
What units this manufacturing aside is its forged and the sheer dedication and dynamism they convey. Ivan Turco is a knock-out as Jamie with an excellent voice to match his performing abilities, he breathes an irresistible life into the teenager drag queen. But there actually isn’t a weak hyperlink on stage: Rebecca McKinnis’ portrayal of mum is an emotional and vocal powerhouse, Sejal Keshwala is a triumph as Ray, X-Factor winner Sam Bailey is powerful as instructor Miss Hedge, Talia Palamathanan a superb greatest pal Pritti and Kevin Clifton a revelation as drag mom Hugo/Loco Chanelle. The ensemble are phenomenal from begin to finish.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is not only a narrative about “a boy in a dress” it’s so rather more than that. It urges us to have the braveness to pursue our desires, to put in writing our personal story. It exhibits how folks simply wish to be accepted and revered for being who they are surely. A really celebratory affair, it is going to ship you into the evening together with your coronary heart full, feeling that the world is simply that bit higher a spot for this musical being in it.
5 stars
Runs till 18 May 2024 then continues touring | Image: Matt Crockett
