Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie debuted in Sheffield six years ago, since then the show has gone on to have a West End run, a UK tour, a North American outing in Los Angeles and a film adaptation. On the basis of tonight’s performance it’s blatantly obvious why Jamie is still the talk of the town: and that reason is this is an outstanding piece of work, and a great, fabulous, fun night at the theatre

Inspired by the BBC Three documentary entitled Jamie – Drag Queen at 16, which told the story of Jamie Campell, a teenager hoping to make it in the world of drag whilst finding acceptance from his family, classmates and teachers.

Kicking off its second full UK tour at the Lowry, this coming-of-age musical focuses on Sheffield based schoolboy Jamie New, as he attempts to break out from the conformities and expectations placed on him by school and other aspects of society. With a career path of fork lift truck driver, seemingly determined by his careers teacher Miss Hedge, Jamie has other ideas, he wants to become a star of the stage and one of the greatest drag artists the world has ever seen.

There is so much to love about this production, writers Tom Macrae and Jonathan Butterell’s script is punchy, packed full of heart, soul and humour. It’s filled with great one-liners and outstanding musical numbers. Director Matt Ryan, keeps the action flowing at a blistering pace, which is matched by the vibrance and energy of this hard working cast. Right from the get go, Kate Prince’s choreography is exceptional, with some spectacular set pieces sprinkled throughout the production.

Ivano Turco is a revelation as Jamie, this a flawless performance packed full of charisma, charm, and attitude. Turco owned the stage at the Lowry tonight, his fantastic vocals, comedic timing, and delivery are an absolute treat to watch, leaving you in little doubt that this young man like the character is going to be a big star!

The production is blessed with outstanding performances from top-to-toe: Rebecca Mckinnis gives a heartfelt, measured performance as Jamie’s mum, Margaret; her delivery of the song, He’s My Boy is sublime. Whilst Shobna Gulati is hilarious as Ray, Margaret’s straight talking, no nonsense best friend, who has the lion’s share of the show’s best lines.

There is a solid turn from John Partridge as Hugo/Loco Chanelle, a local drag legend who befriends Jamie. His blend of warmth, compassion and take-no- prisoners attitude, perfectly typifies what the production is all about. In addition Talia Palamathanan is fantastic as Jamie’s best friend, Pritti, the character development of Pritti, is a journey you invest in equally as much as you do Jamie’s which is down to Palamathanan’s pitch perfect performance, whose breakout moment towards the end of the production drew the biggest cheer of the night. The chemistry between Turco and Palamathanan is exceptional as you fully in their shared journey and friendship.

Every story needs a good villain, and with this we have three. Jordan Ricketts, brings a degree of menace as school bully Dean. Whilst Hayley Tamaddon is equally nasty as the ‘smiling assassin’, of Jamie’s ambition Miss Hedge. Finally there is Akshay St Clair as Jamie’s dad, a thankless role highlighting the bigotry that Jamie has to face. All three highlighting the various obstacles Jamie must overcome.

This is a joyous, feel good night at the theatre, and one not to be missed. It won’t be doing a “Sashay Away” anytime soon, with the Everybody’s Talking About Jamie tour continuing well into the summer of 2024.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is at the until 17th September 2023 and continues on a UK Tour until July 2024

Tickets for the Lowry available here.