Everybody's Talking About Jamie

‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ and I think Everybody was Talking about this Production!  I am not sure that this show would be on too many Youth Theatre’s potential list of musical productions to consider by nature of it’s very well know subject matter. ETAJ is based upon the true-life story of 16-year-old British schoolboy Jamie Campbell, as he overcomes prejudice and bullying to step out of the darkness and become a drag queen. To some it would appear a very brave choice – they would be right, but they would have nothing to fear from this production.  The subject matter was handled with true professionalism and utter realism, reinforced with sheer talent – in fact, having been familiar with the West End production, the show was given even more impact  and relevance with having some of the performers being virtually the same age as the characters they were playing.

In Rachel Davies’ imaginatively conceived powerhouse of a production, the complete tour de force that was Taylor Gibson, playing Jamie, would, I’m sure, have been what author, Tom Macrae, had in mind when writing the book. He was every inch Jamie Campbell and the audience was wholly with him throughout, empathising every setback and relishing every highlight. The overall success of this production could not have been realised without the support of a stellar cast; the ladies in Jamie’s life being particularly worthy of mention – the vocal contributions of Sophia Priestnall as Jamie’s best friend, Pritti and Hannah Shillingford as Jamie’s Mum, Margaret, were stunning and heart-breaking in equal measure. Jamie’s ambition in life was to be a drag queen and you could easily see why when encountering his drag queen mentors, utterly realistic portrayals of Laika Virgin by Jay Kendall and Tray Sophisticay, by Mason Howell, were a joy to watch but Ru Paul’s Drag Show should really watch out for Charlie Bullock’s Loco Chanelle, oozing self-confidence with tongue-in-cheek innuendo and brilliance. Not only that, he also portrayed Loco’s alter ego (is it the other way round?) Hugo, the disillusioned but highly amusing costumier, who encouraged Jamie’s often thwarted ambitions.

All of Jamie’s classmates, again of similar ages to their characters, gave the classroom dynamic a different edge to the banter and bullying and each character was beautifully and realistically drawn, particularly Harrison Eno’s bully, Dean, who like all bullies, is completely powerless and out of his comfort zone when confronted with logic and an olive branch, but his journey in getting there was embarrassingly unnerving to witness.

There are many notable moments in this production; some evoking gales of laughter but also those that were utterly beautiful and very moving. One such moment that will stick with me for some time is Hannah Shillingford’s masterful rendition of ‘If I Met Myself Again’ played to a backdrop of the most delightfully choreographed piece, by Rachel Davies (where does her talent end?) superbly executed by Jamie’s Dad, played with frightening realism and characterisation by Will Bickle, partnered by Emma Ingram playing Young Margaret. An absolute theatrical joy.

Every member of this talented group was thoroughly committed to this production and it showed in their commitment to their roles coupled with highly accomplished solo and ensemble singing, under the unerringly capable stewardship of Musical Director, George Stuart supported by the talented musicians of the Midland Concert Orchestra. Add in imaginative and exhausting choreography to the mix and you end up with a production where everyone involved should be immensely proud of what proved to be an amazing evening’s entertainment.

A versatile set was cleverly used to indicate the various locations supplemented by just enough furniture to clearly depict the location. Lighting and Sound were absolutely integral to this production’s success and in the main complemented the settings on stage, a couple of minor errors on the opening night would no doubt have been corrected as the run progressed.

Thank you to everyone at Stourbridge Amateur Operatic Society and SAOS Youth Theatre for your kind invitation and for making me so welcome and as they say in theatrical parlance – “Follow That!”

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