REVIEW | Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, UK Tour
Ivano Turco in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie UK Tour. Credit Matt Crockett
★ ★ ★ ★
Reviewer - Emmie
*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
This British musical has been on quite a considerable journey since we first encountered Jamie’s story in a BBC documentary that aired in 2011. Opening as a musical in 2014 before a transfer to London’s West End, a UK tour and then an Amazon Prime film release. There’s no stopping the impact of this remarkably inspiring story about a young man with a huge dream.
Jamie New is a stereotypical teenager in his GCSE year who feels the impending pressure of figuring out what he wants to be after school ends. He embarks on a poignant journey of self-discovery and empowerment whilst armed with six-inch high heels. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie'‘s clever writing doesn’t just focus on Jamie, but everyone around him has some lessons of their own to learn from too. Pair that up with Dan Gillespie Sells’ unforgettably catchy, polished foot-tappers combined with truthful heart-wrenching numbers that will stick with you long after the show finishes.
Back on the stage in a UK tour capacity since April 2022, the production still racks up the feel-good factor to 100% as well as unearthing the strong messages of identity, expression and inclusivity.
The beauty of this production is that each person who has played Jamie New brings their own style of portraying this character, making it unique every time. This time was no different with the introduction of Ivano Turco who dives into the power of this character almost immediately. Turco definitely breathes new life into Jamie New, and will certainly grow into this role as the tour progresses even further. It is a work of art watching him portray the relationships that are pivotal to his journey.
It goes without saying that this touring cast is impeccable and each contributes to the polished execution of the storyline.
There are definitely parts of the production which need to build a stronger slickness - which I believe will come with the progression of the tour itself. There are some unforgettable performances; from John Patridge’s larger than life portrayal of Hugo/Loco Chanelle, Shobna Gulati’s injection of humour as Jamie mum’s best friend or the heartwrenching performance of Margaret from Rebecca Mckinnis who portrays the anxieties of a mother which leaves you with goosebumps.
This production definitely deserves to be back on the stage. It builds up to a fantastic finale ‘Out Of The Darkness (A Place Where We Belong)’ which is a moment of celebration and acceptance which blows off the roof of the theatre. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a dose of heartwarming bliss.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is on a UK tour, all information is here.
