Everybodys Talking About Jamie We Are Raving About It

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Everybodys Talking About Jamie We Are Raving About It

swlife

November 16, 2021

Everybodys Talking About Jamie We Are Raving About It

Until you’ve seen EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE, you really won’t get what everybody’s talking about. The show opened last night at the Wales Millennium Centre, and before we tell you what we thought (we loved it incidentally), head to the bottom of this page, click on the link, and get yourself a ticket – you won’t regret it.

I came to Jamie a little late in the day, having seen the then London cast perform a number from the show during the Olivier Awards a few years ago. It picked up an award that evening, and many more over the years. From that night I’ve more than made up for it, and even devoured the movie a couple of times since it was released.

It’s a tale you might know as it’s inspired by a true story. Its authenticity is best described in the movie, they say – all of this is true, we’ve just added the songs.

Before we give you our take on the show, here’s what the audience thought of the opening performance – including Presenter and Singer Wynne Evans. As this is #AntiBullyingWeek the show and the message it delivers feels somehow even more relevant.

Jamie is about a young lad who wants to be a drag queen. The boy in question is Jamie New, who featured in a 2011 BBC Three Documentary Jamie: Drag Queen At 16. At the time he lived on a council estate in Sheffield, where he didn’t quite fit in. Like every teenager he had doubts about his future, but one thing he was absolutely certain of is that he was destined for greatness.

To help him move away from the negativity he was supported by his brilliant, loving mum and surrounded by loyal friends. Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie delivers a simple message that’s more relevant today than ever – never be afraid to be yourself.

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The real life Jamie New and his Mum Margaret (Pic – Greg Macvean)

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The real life Jamie New and his Mum Margaret (Pic – Greg Macvean)

It’s easy to compare the show to other musicals of its type, but there is something unique about Jamie and we mean both the real person and the show itself.

We’ve waited a long time for it to get to Cardiff. They reopened in London, once lockdown restrictions allowed, and the great thing about this tour is that we pretty much have all the London cast on board.

Fresh from his role in the West End production, LAYTON WILLIAMS is Jamie, and he is outstandingly brilliant. You may know him from the TV series Bad Education but as Jamie he shifts from being confident and bombastic to slipping into moments of self doubt and heartache, particularly with his relationship with his Father. You will laugh and cry in equal measures.

Layton’s singing is incredible. From the opening song – ‘And You Don’t Even Know It’ performed in the school classroom, where Jamie tells everyone he wants to be a drag queen, you’ll be swept along with some of the catchiest tunes you’ve heard on stage in a long time.

Another star who comes to Wales from the West End production is SHANE RICHIE (yes Alfie from Eastenders) who plays another real-life character, drag dress shop owner Hugo.

Shane wasn’t at the last nights opening, instead the role of Hugo was played by RHYS TAYLOR. Of course we missed the appearance of Shane, but all credit to Rhys who was excellent in the part. Within a minute we were absorbed by his character and performance – great job Rhys.

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Rhys Taylor

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Rhys Taylor

As Loco Channelle, Hugo was a former performing drag queen who takes Jamie under his wing and empowers him to get up and ‘do his thing’. He becomes a kind of father figure when Jamie’s real dad, played by CAMERON JOHNSON, shows his true colours, and sadly they aren’t the colours of the LGBTQ flag.

For the rest of the week, it will be Mr Richie back on stage.

There is something about Shane, and we’ve seen him in a lot of roles over the years, including Jamie. You kind of feel safe with him there. He is experienced, funny, heart-warming and has a great voice. This, almost king of the jungle, makes one mighty fine drag queen.

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Shane Richie (Hugo) and the company of the Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Tour. Photo credit Matt Crockett

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Shane Richie (Hugo) and the company of the Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Tour. Photo credit Matt Crockett

Shane Richie (Hugo) and the company of the Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Photo – Matt Crockett)

There are other TV faces you’ll recognise but each of them fill their respective roles in Jamie perfectly.

You see SHOBNA GULATI, who plays the part of Ray, and of course you think of her long standing role in Coronation Street. Or maybe, like us, as Anita in Victoria Wood’s Dinnerladies. But she shines in the show with some of the best lines, which had us all laughing out loud. Incidentally, Shobna is also in the movie version of Jamie which is on Amazon Prime now.

And there’s a blast from the Britain’s Got Talent past in the shape of GEORGE SAMPSON (remember Sining In The Rain?) he plays the school bully Dean Paxton, and fills the role really well.

Now, we did say you’ll cry during the show, and you will, trust me. You can blame AMY ELLEN RICHARDSON and her performance as Jamie’s mum Margaret for that. She has stand out moments throughout the show, but the one which does it every time, whether you’re a parent or not, is her solo number ‘He’s My Boy’. The title kind of says it all, but the way she performs the song, with such heartbreaking conviction, really is one of the highlights for me.

And that brings us to the music. Every song is a belter and will have you reaching for your favourite streaming service to listen to them on the way home (or maybe a CD from the concession stall). DAN GILLESPIE SELLS wrote the music (lead singer/songwriter with The Feeling), with lyrics by TOM MACRAE, and what a combination they make. Apart from And You Don’t Even Know It and He’s My Boy, this is a show filled with absolute belters. Add to that some great performers putting their stamp on them, and you have a truly memorable musical.

This is, of course Jamie’s story, the show is all about him, but there are people in his life who not only encouraged, supported, and sometimes had a negative impact on him, but nevertheless, they have their stories too, and they are woven into the production seamlessly.

SHARAN PHULL is Pritti who is Jamie’s best friend. She wants to be a doctor, so is, understandably a little bit of a bookworm. As you can imagine she has to contend with her own share of bullying from Dean, but she is supportive, encouraging and gives Jamie that extra push when he needs it. Sharan plays the part beautifully and gives an incredible performance of ‘And It Means Beautiful’.

The producers have very cleverly written some updated dialogue to take into account the last coupe of years. So, without spoiling it too much, listen out for the gags about social distancing and mask wearing, and the impossible task of pandemic dating – it’s a nice touch.

Jamie’s story is one we’ve heard about many times. It’s told in a thoughtful, compassionate and hilarious way, but don’t be in any doubt, the message it leaves you with

By the end of the show you will be on your feet, singing, dancing and inspired by what you’ve seen on stage. It’s a joy to watch from start to finish. I think the highest praise we can give it, is if you miss Jamie in Cardiff, get on a train, bus or bike, find out where the tour is next, and go see it. Or, you could just get yourself one of the few remaining tickets and head along to the Wales Millennium Centre this week.

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE runs through till Saturday, with 7:30pm performances and a 2:30pm matinee on Thursday and Saturday. You can get your tickets HERE. The show is 2 hours 40 minutes (including the interval).

We understand that Layton Williams will not be performing on 16th or 17th November. The producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.

Incidentally, take a look at our original feature to find out more about the show and the fantastic work they do with charities such as Back2School HERE.

SOUTH WALES LIFE