REVIEW | Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Teen Edition), Kristian Thomas Company

Written by Emmie

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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Everybody should be talking about Kristian Thomas Company’s production of the hit British musical about an inspiring young man with a huge dream. With a considerable journey and reputation behind it, it’s no mean fleet to take that and make it their own but this young company pack more punch and passion than those professionals currently touring the show in the UK.

For those unaware of the story, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is based on a true story. Jamie New is a typical teenager who feels the impending pressure of figuring out what he wants to be when his GCSE year ends. With a huge passion for becoming a drag queen, Jamie embarks on a poignant journey of self-discovery and empowerment. But what has always been so beautiful about the writing of this show is that it’s about those people around him too. This teen edition is slightly altered for a younger cast to tackle but there is a huge weight of maturity about the Kristian Thomas Company’s Senior Youth Company that is extremely admirable for audiences who get to experience this sold-out show!

Directed by Katy Maclaughlin and with Choreography by Kristian Cunningham and Musical Directed by Sam Hedley, this creative team has collectively oozed out a well-polished production that will stand out for so many reasons.

The leading role of Jamie New is shared between two young actors, Kole Darby and Max Fuller. It was Kole Darby who took to the spotlight for this performance and he really did own every step of it. Darby is an incredibly talented young man, when you are stepping into the heels of Jamie’s character it comes with a sense of responsibility. With previous performers over the years like Layton Williams and John McCrea who have alone taken on this role, Kole Karby sustains an incredible performance throughout. 

Sylvie Cole showcases that she has an incredible ounce of emotion and control with her vocal range. Playing Jamie’s Mum, Margaret, Cole does an unforgettable job with her rendition of ‘He’s My Boy’ that will leave you with goosebumps. Mia Matthews is full of life as Margaret’s best friend Ray and her comedic timing really lands with the audience.

Taking on the role of Pritta Pasha is Isabelle Bambrick, another shared role in the show I enjoyed every minute of her performance. Her rendition of ‘Beautiful’ is quite something and Bambrick’s own journey through Pritta is captivating. There’s a real strength that builds over time as her character begins to discover her own voice and this performance was very human.

But one of the most stand out performances of the night came from Harrison West. Taking on Hugo/Loco Chanelle at the age of 16 is something to admire he’s immediately eye-catching, and has a strong control over his vibrato. He is already at every level of professional already and I’m so excited to see how his talent continues to be developed and nurtured. His rendition of ‘The Legend Of Loco Chanelle’ is one of the most unforgettable of the night.

This is a large cast of young people but each person comes to the stage with everything they’ve got and I’d be here for ages if I had to name them all. They are consistent in their delivery and I enjoyed every moment of watching them. Although they don’t have a lot of space to work with in terms of choreography or making sure the scenes are full of life, this company has done a great job of doing so. There is importance in the detail for productions on this scale, especially when there are mature themes to be handled. This Senior Youth Company are perfect, there’s nothing they can do to make this production any better. This was the first time I saw the space at the Duchess Theatre be expanded and used differently and this enhanced the performance. 

I’m always so excited to see what this company have up their sleeves and this production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie was no different. I don’t usually star-rate productions like this but one of the most flawless and inspiring pieces of theatre I’ve seen from such a young company! The Kristian Thomas Company are the shining example of HOW to do teen productions and many other organisations can take a lot of direction from this!

At The Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton until Saturday 27 January.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆