Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

If everybody wasn’t talking about Jamie after walking out of this fabulous show then I would be very surprised as it were chuffing brilliant! My first show of 2025 and what a start! The story of the boy who dreamed of being a drag queen and the trials and tribulations he had to face in the form of bullying and prejudice, even from his own father, is sadly still as relevant as it ever was but watching him be who he wants to be surrounded by friends and cheerleaders gives a feelgood factor that stays with you long after the final bow. And it was nice to see a few faces popping up from the previous show, Rock of Ages.

The director (Andrew Warner) gave us a slick production that used a very innovative solution to multiple scene changes by projecting images against white flats to give us a school, a back yard and a bus stop amongst others. This made the fast-moving scene changes possible and the set changes were smooth and quickly executed. The choreography was of a high standard throughout and a special mention to those having to execute this in (potentially?!) unfamiliar heels! The costumes used suited every character and scene as did the props; very minor prop point but using empty cups/mugs changes how they are handled so it becomes obvious they are empty but I see this a lot even in professional and televised works. The sound and lighting were good throughout, there was the odd occasion where the vocal seemed to go a little fuzzy but it didn’t detract from the quality of the performance.

Jonathan Rosemoore as Jamie was the complete and consummate performer and embodied Jamie in every step, mannerism and facial expression. Every movement reflected the emotional highs and lows we accompany Jamie on through the show and coupled with a competent vocal, gave us a memorable performance. And probably gave you very defined quads and glutes after doing squats in those heels every night!

Lucy Boyle as Pritti Patel gave us a lovely performance (including a nice solo) as Jamie’s best friend and one of his biggest cheerleaders although her sweet exterior revealed its core of steel at the end when she stood up to the bully who made her and Jamie’s lives miserable. Helen Thrupp as Jamie’s Mum Margaret showed us the challenges of being a parent and the mistakes that are so easy to make; it was an empathetic portrayal of a Mum just doing her best backed up by her best friend Ray (Alison Broadley) who supported them with some straight talking and cheap chocolate! Both Helen and Alison gave good vocal performances.

Jamie’s school was a major feature along with his teacher Miss Hedge and his school friends and foes! Miss Hedge (Natalie Veasey) is your stereotypical, browbeaten teacher who has no time for dreams though her shoes suggest a side job! Nicely portrayed by Natalie all round. Jamie’s school mates are a motley crew who are much more excited about prom than careers and exams! Some excellent performances throughout from the entire school kid gang.

Tom Patterson as Dean Paxton and Joe Bromfield as Jamie’s Dad gave us the characters we would boo if it were panto! Bully Dean at least did show some self-awareness as to the likely course of his life at the end but Jamie’s Dad sadly turned his back. Nicely brooding performances from you both highlighting the genuine opposition faced from anyone the pack considers to be “different”.

The drag queens were fabulous including Alistair Wilson both as Loco Chanel and also as Hugo, Andrew Warner as Laika Virgin and doubling up from other members of the cast to complete the foursome of femmes fatales!

I hadn’t seen this particular production before and I am convinced that the bar has been set pretty high for the next time I see it. Thank you too everyone at The Mellow Dramatics for another fantastic performance, I thank you very much for the invitation and I hope to see you all again very soon.

 

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