This is our review of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Liverpool‘s Empire Theatre!
Synopsis Of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Jamie New is just like any other student at Sheffield’s Mayfield School. Except, that is, for his flamboyant nature and his desire to open himself up to the world. And despite the scorn of his teacher Miss Hedge and school bully Dean, Jamie dares to dream big. So big, in fact, that he wishes to become a drag queen sensation. As part of his journey, he receives encouragement from Hugo a.k.a. Loco Chanelle, and receives his first drag outfit.
Back home, though, things aren’t so pleasant. Jamie’s dad effectively disowned him due to his overtly sexual nature. In stark contrast, Margaret – Jamie’s mother – loves her son for who and what he is. Yet the negative impact of Jamie’s father continues to hold a black cloud over the family. And that’s before you consider the ongoing concern and outright prejudice from those at Jamie’s school. So, can Jamie prove everybody wrong and take over his own world in his own way? And if he does, what drag name will Jamie choose?
Analysis Of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
This show is truly epic. I have heard many great things about the show, but this was my first viewing of the production. And it was absolutely worth the effort. For starters, the story is highly relevant in the current world. Note that almost all of Jamie’s fellow pupils, family, and friends accept him; the lone exceptions, however, have the loudest voices. And as we learn, overcoming that struggle is difficult – but also makes the subject, Jamie, even stronger.
Meanwhile, the acting performances, not least by the excellent Ivano Turco, are something to behold. You will also enjoy the splendid dancing routines, particularly during the roof-raising finale. And the costumes are authentic to the drag scene, as are the names, which I won’t spoil here. But it’s the singing which leaves the biggest lasting impression for me. Rebecca McKinnis’s renditions of If I Met Myself Again and He’s My Boy are simply incredible.
Summary Of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
To sum things up, this show is tremendous and everybody should view it for multiple reasons. If you love theatre, you’ll love this production. But if you simply love a relatable story, you will also greatly appreciate this show. And if you love stories that embody modern culture, this show is a fantastic snapshot of our times. See it as soon as you can.
