Everybody’s Talking About Jamie by DarlingtonOS Review

Reviews

1 May

Written by Stacy for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

Note: The performance I attended featured Team Sparkle.

DarlingtonOS have outdone themselves with their vibrant and heartfelt production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, lighting up the Hippodrome stage with a dazzling mix of grit, glitter, and glorious talent. Based on the true story of Jamie Campbell, the show charts the journey of a 16-year-old boy from Sheffield who dreams of becoming a drag queen, navigating school bullies, family struggles, and the pursuit of self-acceptance. And in the hands of this young and gifted cast, Jamie’s story sings with authenticity, humour, and sheer joy.

From the first opening chord, the energy was electric. The set was slick and versatile, seamlessly transporting us from the school classroom to Jamie’s bedroom to the legendary Legs Eleven drag club. But it was the performances that truly elevated the production. The lead, portraying Jamie New (Harrison Bateman), delivered a star-making turn—effortlessly charismatic, with spirited vocals, and a rich emotional depth. He captured Jamie’s vulnerability and bravado in equal measure, drawing the audience into every high-heel strut and heartbreak.

Bateman's chemistry with the rest of the cast was a joy to watch, particularly with Pritti Pasha, played brilliantly by Eva Ferguson. Starting off with a quiet presence, Ferguson expertly charted Pritti’s journey from a reserved outsider to a confident young woman unafraid to speak—and sing—her truth. By the end, she stood tall, her voice strong and assured, delivering vocals that soared with both clarity and conviction. Her performance brought real heart to the production, and her friendship with Jamie felt genuine and deeply rooted, a partnership built on acceptance, encouragement, and shared resilience.

Equally compelling was the relationship between Jamie and his mam, Margaret (Samantha Morrison). Their scenes were full of tenderness, humour, and a raw emotional undercurrent that never tipped into sentimentality. The bond felt lived-in and authentic, a testament to the strong performances and thoughtful direction. Together, they told a story not just of chasing dreams, but of unconditional love and the courage it takes to truly support someone becoming who they are.

The cast’s commitment to their characters, from the supportive friends to the sassy drag mentors, brought the world of the show to vivid life. Each performer inhabited their role with such authenticity that the school environment felt real—full of teenage camaraderie, tension, and all the awkward moments of growing up. The drag queens at Legs Eleven (Cam Scriven, Jonathan Wilson-Downs and Acott Edwards), with their larger-than-life personas, were not just comic relief but a crucial source of empowerment, offering Jamie a sense of belonging and confidence. Loco Chanel’s (Julian Cound) bold presence added an extra layer of sass and flair, perfectly complementing the rest of the drag ensemble. Every interaction, from the smallest gesture to the most memorable line, contributed to a world brimming with heart, humour, and raw emotion, making the story feel not only theatrical but deeply personal.

The presence of a live band, lead by Steven Hood, elevated the production to a whole new level. From the punchy opening number to the emotionally resonant ballads, the music had a richness and immediacy that only live instrumentation can provide. The band was tight, polished, and perfectly balanced—never overpowering the vocals, but instead lifting every performance and enhancing every emotional beat. Their presence added a palpable sense of energy and urgency to the show, making the theatrical experience all the more immersive and exciting.

However, it was the choreography that truly stole the spotlight time and time again. Under the direction of the inspired Joanne Hand, who also served as the director, and with the expert assistance of Dance Captain Darrien Wright, the movement was full of energy and precision. The choreography was modern, sharp, and brimming with dynamic flair, perfectly capturing the spirit of the show. Every step, every formation, was executed with impressive precision, adding an extra layer of excitement to the production. Numbers like “And You Don’t Even Know It” and “Work of Art” popped with precision and panache, with the young performers executing complex routines with style and confidence. The ensemble danced with a polish and enthusiasm that belied their age, injecting every number with infectious energy and attitude.

It’s no small feat to mount a show as demanding as Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, but DarlingtonOS have risen to the occasion with flair. They’ve embraced the heart of the story—about being unapologetically yourself—and told it with colour, compassion, and courage. This is community theatre at its finest: bold, brilliant, and bursting with young talent. Quite simply, everybody should be talking about this Jamie.