Everybody's Talking About Jamie

Set in Sheffield in 2017, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is an uplifting musical that tells the inspiring story of sixteen-year-old Jamie New. Determined to rise above bullying and prejudice, Jamie pursues his dream of becoming a drag queen, supported by his devoted mother and loyal friends. Inspired by a true story, the production is a vibrant blend of electrifying music, heartfelt emotion, and powerful themes of self-acceptance and resilience.

Upon arriving at Z-Arts Theatre, I was warmly welcomed, setting the tone for an exciting evening ahead. As we took our seats, I was immediately struck by the pre-open set—a realistic school classroom, with chairs arranged diagonally to create a dynamic stage space. One particularly artistic touch was the polaroid-style pictures strategically placed on the stage flats, adding depth and dimension to the setting. This thoughtful staging heightened the sense of immersion, reinforcing the youthful and nostalgic backdrop of the story.

This marked South Manchester AOS Academy’s debut performance, and I must say, these young performers radiated energy and enthusiasm—essential qualities for such a fast-paced and demanding musical. The show burst into life with the exhilarating opening number, "And You Don’t Even Know It," delivered with exceptional enthusiasm, coordination, and control. However, throughout the entire performance, I did notice that the music occasionally overpowered the vocals and dialogue, particularly in moments where the underscore was vital. This is something the Academy may want to fine-tune for future productions to ensure a balanced auditory experience.

Jamie New, portrayed by the incredibly talented James Daley, was truly a standout. Having seen the professional production, I can confidently say that James delivered this role with confidence, integrity, charm, wit, and a commanding stage presence. James’ vocal prowess and dialogue delivery were polished and passionate, making James’ performance an absolute joy to watch.

Alongside Jamie, we were introduced to his best friend, Pritti Pasha, played by Mia Pearce. Pritti is the embodiment of kindness, intelligence, and unwavering support, and Mia’s portrayal captured these qualities beautifully. Her rendition of "It Means Beautiful" was a particularly moving moment—her expressive delivery created a deep emotional connection with the audience.

Jamie’s journey wouldn’t be complete without the steadfast support of his mother, Margaret New (Rebecca O’Sullivan) and her lively best friend, Ray (Tilly Fletcher). Both actors brought authenticity and nuance to their characters, clearly demonstrating careful research into their roles. Their gestures, body language, and dialogue delivery were spot on, making their interactions feel organic and heartfelt.

A prime example of engaging character dynamics was the tension between Jamie and Dean Paxton, his antagonist. Played by Lucas Turnbull, Dean’s taunting and spitefulness added dramatic weight to the story. While a touch more aggression in his delivery might have heightened the intensity, Lucas expertly transitioned from making the audience dislike him to eliciting sympathy—both elements were convincingly executed.

From start to finish, the cast’s energy was nothing short of remarkable. The confidence of the young performers in their drag queen roles was inspiring, while their swift stage transitions and set changes demonstrated professionalism beyond their years. Among the supporting cast, Laura Jerrome’s portrayal of Bex was particularly striking—her consistent expression and boundless performance energy made her an unforgettable presence on stage.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to South Manchester AOS Academy for their hospitality and warm welcome. Congratulations on a spectacular first production—your passion and dedication were evident throughout. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing what you bring to the stage next!

See you all again soon.

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