On 11th January, 2024, I went to see the musical, Everybody's Talking About Jamie, at the Mayflower Theatre, in Southampton.
At this performance, the role of Jamie New, was played by Finton Flynn, who was absolutely brilliant, and came across as very dynamic and charismatic. Jamie's best friend, the sweet-natured, but, ambitious, Pritti, was played by Rhiannon Bacchus. Shobna Gulati, known for her roles in Coronation Street and Dinnerladies, played the lively and likeable, Ray - best friend of Jamie's Mum, Margaret, played by Rebecca McKinnis. Rebecca was rewarded with enthusiastic and appreciative cheers from the audience, following her rendition of the emotionally charged musical number, 'He's My Boy' . Successful novelist and actress, Giovanna Fletcher, played schoolteacher, Miss Hedge, who had a hard time, trying to keep order in the classroom.
Former Eastenders star, John Partridge, was excellent as Jamie's Drag Queen mentor, Hugo, who was also appeared as his alter ego, the glamorous and striking, Loco Chanelle.
The story, set on a council estate, in Sheffield, is accompanied by a musical score, written by Dan Gillespie Sells, from chart-topping band, The Feeling. My favourite musical numbers were, 'And You Don't Even Know It', sung by Jamie, Miss Hedge, and Year 11; 'The Wall In My Head', sung by Jamie, and, 'It Means Beautiful', a very sweet song, sung by Pritti,
The show put across a number of really important messages, such as believing in yourself, and having the right to be yourself, and was very inspirational. In the show, 16 year old, Jamie, overcomes prejudice and bullying, and goes on to realise his ultimate dream of performing as a Drag Queen.
The show was very colourful, lively and energetic, and extremely enjoyable. During the curtain call, the audience gave the cast a very well deserved standing ovation.
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