Everybody's Talking About Jamie

This show has only been available for amateur performances for a very short while and already it has
become iconic. This was the third production I have seen, and each one has been different; impelling,
thought provoking and well performed. This performance was no exception, Director Sarah Wray had
brought out the emotion, pathos, fun, and pure celebration that the story is.

Every single performer had their character, and they all did the show justice. They were all full of enthusiasm
and energy, performing the dances with precision and showing the choreography off to great advantage.
Oscar Harvey played Jamie, and this was a stunning performance. He demonstrated excellent performance
skills and captured the anguish and emotions that made the story so enthralling. He was, of course, central to
the story and didn’t miss a moment to show us his character, this was a very watchable performance.
Emily Walker played his mum Margaret, with great empathy, demonstrating the inner strength needed for her
character. Her delivery of He’s My Boy was exceptional and had me in tears! She was well supported by
Ellen Trim as her best friend Ray, this was another great characterisation, sassy and caring.
Ayesha Shergill played Jamie’s friend Pritti Pasha and she gave us a lovely performance, caring, thoughtful,
supportive and, ultimately strong. Her song It Means Beautiful was outstanding.
Kerry Cooke, as teacher Miss Hedge, was powerful and believable. Not necessarily likeable but that was the
right way to play the part.
Jamie Fudge-Smith played Hugo/Loco Chanelle impeccably and was clearly enjoying the character he was
playing. His 3 sidekicks, Allister Fudge-Smith (Laika Virgin) Jon Keeler (Sandra Bollock) and Jay Lancaster
(Tray Sophisticay) were very entertaining as the three drag queens and all looked fabulous in their costumes.
The supporting Principals were all very good, Theo Harris (Dean) nailed the nasty bully well. Martin Harris
(Jamie’s Dad) was not on stage for much but when he was, the character was very well played and helped to
explain Jamie’s outlook on his existence. Scarlett Coote (Becca) and Maisie Threadgold-Smith (Bex) made
an excellent pairing, Sophie Mullender gave a great performance as Fatimah closely followed by Marielle
Jarvis (Vicki). The ensemble was particularly strong in this production and there wasn’t a weak link at any
time.

Vocals were excellent, strong and secure across both the Principals and the ensemble. This is a credit to
MD Ian Southgate for bringing the cast together so well.

The scenery was simple and effective and the necessary scene changes were well handled and did not
affect the pace of the show. Costumes showed great attention to detail. Lighting and sound were well
balanced apart from one song towards the end where the band and the backing singers seemed to drown
Jamie’s singing out.

Overall, a great performance, in which everyone played their part to create a great evening’s entertainment.
My thanks for the hospitality and for everyone being so welcoming to me. It is a joy to visit the society, and I
look forward to the next show.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.