Shane Richie (Loco Chanelle), Layton Williams (Jamie New) and the Drag Queens in the Everybody's Talking About Jamie Tour. Photo by Matt Crockett

Review: Everybody’s talking about Jamie at Wolverhampton Grand

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BrumHour saw Everybody’s talking about Jamie the invite of Wolverhampton Grand.

By Julie Wallis twitter.com/nicenic63

Review: Everybody’s talking about Jamie at Wolverhampton Grand

Directed by Matt Ryan, Original Director Jonathan Butterell, Book and Lyrics by Tom MacRae Music Dan Gillespie Sells Choreography by Kate Prince

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is currently showing the unmissable Everybody’s talking about Jamie and this uplifting, vibrant, extravagant performance bursts into the stage in a flurry of sequins and high heels.

Inspiring a movie of the same name, this was, in turn, based on the 2011 BBC documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16 this heart-warming true story tells how Jamie wants to attend his school prom in a dress before he goes on to a career in drag performances.

Layton Williams (Jamie New) and Sharan Phull (Pritti) in the Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Tour. Photo by Matt Crockett

Packed full of great songs the show opens with Jamie and his classmates singing ‘And You Don’t Even Know It’ it seems everyone’s favourite show tune was sung by Jamie’s mum, He’s My Boy and Pritti’s rendition of It Means Beautiful will touch your heart.

Everybody’s talking about Jamie is awash with talent. I loved Layton Williams as Jamie, a great singer, dancer and actor as well as having an amazing set of legs on him. Jamie’s mentor is Hugo as played by Shane Richie, known for his acting, Shane is a singer, he’s had a number one record you know! and he even manages a more than passable Sheffield accent.

Amy Ellen Richardson as Jamie’s mum Margaret really does radiate love and pride for her son as well as having a phenomenal voice. With her best friend Ray (Shobna Gulati) by her side the pair more than make up for Jamie’s absentee father.

Shane Richie (Loco Chanelle), Layton Williams (Jamie New) and the Drag Queens in the Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Tour. Photo by Matt Crockett

I defy anyone not to fall in love with Jamies best friend Pritti (Sharan Phull) she’s smart, sassy and has a huge sense of justice. All of the school children are blessed with tonnes of talent and make for a believable school. I don’t think I’ve seen more talent on one stage in a long time.

With lots of set changes this is a slick production that takes the audience from school room to kitchen to drag show in a matter of moments and never losses grip of that thin thread of reality.
The live band really add a lot to this performance too as does the amazing choreography.

Everybody’s talking about Jamie really covers every aspect of terrific musical theatre. Great story, thumping great tunes, some emotionally touching moments and a few belly laughs. What more could anyone ask for? After the past 20 months, this is exactly the kind of uplifting, heart-warming, feelgood show everyone needs to see. If you only see one performance this year, then this is it!

Everybody’s talking about Jamie is at Wolverhampton Grand until 9th October 2021. The UK and Northern Ireland Tour currently continues until April 2022. Find out more here: everybodystalkingaboutjamie.co.uk/tour-dates-book-tickets.