Everybody's Talking about Jamie- Peacock Theatre

Dan Gillespie Sells and Tom MacRae’s 2017 musical Everybody's Talking about Jamie makes its home in London's Peacock Theatre for a six-week stint, as part of its second UK tour, and it's still as vivacious as ever. Directed by Matt Ryan, this production is quickly becoming a modern classic of uniquely British theatre which has won a multitude of fans, both old and new.

Inspired by the 2011 TV documentary 'Jamie: Drag Queen at 16', sixteen year old Sheffield schoolboy and wannabe drag queen Jamie New (Ivano Turco) grapples with self doubt and insecurity, as he attempts to bring the fearless performer inside to light. Supported by his adoring mum Margret (Rebecca McKinnis), family friend Ray (Shobna Gulati), and his best friend Pritti Pasha (Talia Palamathanan), Jamie learns some valuable lessons about staying true to yourself, and what it really means to be beautiful.

Its easy to see why this show is so beloved and successful, hitting all the right emotional beats, without becoming too sentimental, and features a strong quirky and loveable cast of characters. The show is both emotive and comedic, and the songs really help to drive the story forwards, from heartfelt ballads, to upbeat earworms.

Stepping into the red stilettos is Ivano Turco, who's recent roles include Alternate Bob Marley in Get Up Stand Up, and Prince Sebastian in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella. Turco is a true triple threat performer, who manages to balance the vulnerability, sass, humour and innocence of the character to emerge glowing as his truest self, in a stunning white dress at the school prom. A fantastic dancer, and an equally talented singer, his Jamie boasts bleach-blonde cornrows and a dazzling smile, which captivates the audience and has everybody rooting for him from the very first beat.

A careworn and fiercely devoted introvert, who has raised an extrovert, Rebecca McKinnis completely stole the show as Margret - Jamie's mother. She timidly steps into the spotlight, before completely bringing the house down with her two showstoppers - If I Met Myself Again, and He's My Boy. McKinnis has an incredibly powerful voice, underscored with an inner vulnerability and relief at releasing long-bottled feelings with great emotion.

Both the setting and choreography made fantastic use of the space available, from school desks that rotate to form a garden wall, to a wall panel that folds out, revealing the kitchen in Jamie's house. Equally as clever is the use of lighting, to create a dynamic backdrop for each setting, from school to street, especially at the end of Act 1, when Mimi Mi (Jamie's drag alter ego) is revealed to the audience, in all her flamboyance. The dance routines (choreographed by Kate Prince) are slick, sharp and effective; in particular, the contemporary duet during If I Met Myself Again, which explores Margret New's early relationship with Jamie's dad, is especially beautiful to watch.

The supporting cast are all equally strong performers, particularly stage veteran Shobna Gulati, as the bargain-hunting, sweary and gold-hearted Ray, who has basically raised Jamie alongside Margret. John Partridge really comes into his own, when drag shop owner Hugo revives his retired alter ego, Loco Chanelle for one night only, and author and Queen of the Jungle, Giovanna Fletcher, does a stellar job as the exasperated and no-nonsense careers teacher, Miss Hedge. However, the real stand out is the delightfully relatable performance of Talia Palamathanan, as the serious, yet quietly humorous Pritti Pasha, Jamie's best friend and fellow outsider. An aspiring doctor, who is more invested in studying than prom planning, she's unapologetically herself, whilst singing 'It Means Beautiful', to encourage Jamie to stay true to himself, under a canopy of projected stars on her bedroom ceiling, with a Buzz Lightyear plush on her bed.

Overall, Everybody's Talking about Jamie carries a charming message of inclusion and individuality, that continues to delight audiences all over.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐