(AD – PRESS NIGHT) EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE REVIEW
HULL NEW THEATRE
MONDAY 29TH NOVEMBER @ 7.30PM
5/5 *****
After seeing Chicago three weeks ago, it’s time for another press night at Hull New Theatre. I love visiting my local theatre as I get a huge nostalgia kick when I’m there. Now it’s time for my Everybody’s Talking About Jamie review! I even got my nails done for the occasion!
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
After a nightmare trying to find somewhere decent to eat in Hull on a Monday night, we were just glad to get to the theatre. After being greeted by the fab marketing team at Hull New Theatre, we went straight to our seats. I love an aisle seat so I can get straight to the loos at the interval and then to the ice cream queue!
Once again, I was disappointed by the lack of mask-wearing. Unfortunately, I only saw a handful of people wearing them as they’re not enforced.
In terms of the show, I’ve listened to the soundtrack on multiple occasions. However, I’m gutted to have never seen the stage show before. I should’ve seen it in London but never got round to it. I also opted not to watch the new film version before my visit as I know they’ve missed out certain songs.
THE CAST
The highlight of most shows is the cast and ETAJ does not disappoint. I’ll start with Layton Williams as Jamie New because Layton deserves the world! Of course, I was impressed with his incredible voice and top-notch dancing but his acting is what really struck a chord with me. He played Jamie sassy yet vulnerable whilst in a sky high pair of heels! I’m going to need to see him in more shows now. Seeing a gay character as the protaganist, instead of in the background, is refreshing too.
The relationship he has with his mum, Margaret, is integral to the story, and often one you don’t get to see. Amy Ellen Richardson, who plays Margaret, will have you feeling all the emotions. Her rendition of He’s My Boy is gut-wrenching and definitely brings a tear to your eye.
Bianca Del Rio/Roy Haylock is not someone I know a great deal about as I’m not a Drag Race watcher. I really enjoyed their performance as both Hugo and Loco Channelle as it felt really natural and authentic. Also, I love that the role was played by an actual drag queen!
Shobna Gulati as Ray is the comic relief in the show. Her one-liners are perfection and I’d love to see her in more stage productions. I’ve not seen her in a funny role since Anita in Dinnerladies (one of the best TV shows ever made).
Sharan Phull is a standout as Jamie’s best friend Pritti as was Lara Denning as Miss Hedge, despite her character having questionable opinions. The rest of the cast are outstanding and my favourite part was just how diverse they all are. It looks like the producers have really tried to have an inclusive cast, which is amazing.
THE MUSIC
As I said earlier, I’m a big fan of the soundtrack and Dan Gillespie Sells and Tom MacRae have done a stellar job on their first musical. I’ve been a fan of Dan’s since The Feeling’s very first album back in 2006, Twelve Stops and Home. It’s in my top 10 albums of all time. Tom’s lyrics with Dan’s music and orchestration really bring the show to life.
My only negative is that we don’t get to hear Jamie sing as much as I thought. Even just one extra song for him would be enough for me!
THE PRODUCTION
I was a huge fan of the entire staging of ETAJ. I loved the foldaway setting of the New’s family kitchen and the wheeling in and out of the school chairs and desks. The ensemble moved the sets and props around, which I always enjoy. Kate Prince’s choreography was exceptional, keeping the show contemporary and uplifting.
The book had so many cultural and current references in it, which must be an uptake in itself. There were tonnes of nods to current Covid times as well as jokes about pop culture and Sheffield, where the musical is set. I’m not sure some of the audience got all of them though!
A couple of thoughts were that Layton’s microphone had some technical issues and it was hard to hear his lower range at times. It owuld also have been lovely to see the band throughout the show, rather than hiding them behind a screen at the top of the set.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
You will feel a range of emotions during ETAJ. I went from howling with laughter at parts and anger at the school bully and awful careers teacher to sadness during the ballads. My favourite thing about this show is what it stands for. Inclusivity, diversity, acceptance of being yourself, tolerance. I’d say some people in this country could do to see this show. It might change their minds on how they speak about others.
My mum and I had such a great time and if you can, please see ETAJ on the rest of its tour. The cast is changing after Christmas but I’m sure the newbies will be just as amazing!
Did you enjoy my Everybody’s Talking About Jamie review? Check out my other reviews here and follow me on Instagram and Twitter for more musicals chat!
