Layton Williams and Amy Ellen Richardson in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Milton Keynes Theatre and Touring. Picture Matt Crockett
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie continues at Milton Keynes Theatre until 23 April 2022 and then tours until 30 April.
Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
Heart-warming hit Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is storming the stage of Milton Keynes Theatre this week. The feel-good, coming of age show received critical acclaim for its West End debut and was also made into a film (2021) by Amazon Prime. Now nearing the end of its UK tour, this modern-day fairy tale is light, fluffy and fun, with an important message of acceptance at its core.
As many of our readers already know, the show follows the real-life story of Jamie New, a 16-year-old school boy from Sheffield who realises his dreams of becoming a drag queen. As he battles with a father who disowns him and prejudice at school, Jamie (Layton Williams) goes on a journey of self-discovery, learns vital life lessons and ultimately becomes comfortable and confident with his identity.
Along the way he finds support from his drag mentor Loco Chanelle, formally known as Hugo, played by Shane Richie; his loving mother Margaret (Amy Ellen Richardson); close family friend Ray (Sasha Latoya); and best mate Pritti Pasha (Sharan Phull).
The leading roles are complemented by Jamie’s classmates, his tough teacher Miss Hedge (Lara Denning) and fellow drag queens (Garry Lee, John Paul McCue and Rhys Taylor). The all-singing and dancing cast bounces around the stage, propelling the show forward with infectious energy.
Although all cast members execute their roles well, Richardson as Margaret gives a standout performance, with her rendition of ‘He’s My Boy’ filling the auditorium and tugging at the heart strings. Richie’s popular charisma and charm is also a key component to the show, making it easy to see why he’s still a showbiz success.
The set (designed by Anna Fleischle) is simple but smart in the way it transforms from school to kitchen to drag queen dressing room. It is especially great to have the live band (directed by Ben Atkinson, music and orchestrations by Dan Gillespie Sells) present on the stage, but hidden behind a screen at certain times so as to not distract from the storyline.
Finally, it was fantastic to have the deaf interpreter at the corner of the stage throughout. She isn’t named in the programme but deserves a massive round of applause for her liveliness and drive through what must have been a demanding role.
Hannah Grimmette
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