John McCrea and the cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Picture: Johan Persson.
Award-winning musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is celebrating an extension to its successful West End run and the news that the show will be turned into a major movie musical.
Inspired by a TV documentary, the show which has its roots in the true story of a remarkable 16-year-old boy will be transformed into a big screen production by award-winning Sheffield-based production company Warp Films.
The show’s director Jonathan Butterell will also take the helm of the movie version of the film which will be written by the team he originally enlisted to create the stage production, singer-songwriter Dan Gillespie Sells – the lead vocalist of rock band The Feeling – and stage and screen writer Tom MacRae.
Commenting on the project, Butterell said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled that Warp is producing the film of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. We were inspired by Jamie Campbell to tell this open-hearted story of a boy looking to take his place in the world without shame or prejudice supported by the unflinching love of his Mum.
“Warp Films, like Sheffield, the city in which they were founded, reflect the diverse and vibrant city that we chose to set our story in. For me it’s a coming home.”
Writer MacRae said: “We can’t believe this. Three comprehensive school boys writing their first show together, expecting a two and a half week run in Sheffield – and now it’s a West End hit that’s going to be turned into a major movie. Jamie’s taking his prom dress to Hollywood.”
A similarly excited, Jamie Campbell, the boy who inspired the project, commented: “All I originally wanted was to go to my school prom in a dress. Then Firecracker made the documentary. My story then inspired a West End musical. Now it’s a film! It’s incredible. Even I couldn’t have dreamed it.”
Developed in conjunction with Film 4, the movie is expected to commence filming in spring 2019. Warp Films has also announced an open casting call to find 30 young people locally to play the film’s Year 11 class. The class will be made up of principals and smaller roles with casting by Shaheen Baig.
Originally planned as a limited season at the Apollo Theatre following on from a successful debut run at Sheffield Crucible, the show’s West End run has now been extended into 2019.
Commenting on the latest developments in the Jamie story, the producer of the West End production Nica Burns said: “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie has captured the hearts of the public and critics in record time. Thanks to them, we will soon be celebrating our second year in the West End and you can now book your tickets as far ahead as April 2019.
“We are so excited to be announcing the film: Warp Films, with their fantastic track record for telling compelling stories of Britain today, are the perfect filmmakers for this contemporary true story.”
Sheffield Theatres artistic director Robert Hastie added: “The response to Everybody’s Talking About Jamie when it originated here at the Crucible was absolutely overwhelming. This show perfectly captures what it means to be a young person growing up in this vibrant diverse city. Its authenticity and sheer feel-good energy has secured a dedicated fan base in Sheffield, which has now expanded further still, thanks to its successful transfer to London’s West End.
“We’re so proud of all that the show has achieved so far and of how it represents our city. It’s fantastic that Warp Films are beginning the next chapter of Jamie’s story, back here in Sheffield. This project is a testament to the creative industry in the city, and the passion of its residents.”
As previously announced a performance of the multi-award-winning show will be screened live from the Apollo Theatre into over 500 cinemas across the UK, Ireland on Thursday 5 July followed by a worldwide roll-out in the autumn. The official West End cast recording was released digitally worldwide and on CD in the UK in April.
Angela Thomas
Tickets for Everybody’s Talking About Jamie are available HERE.
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