Everybody's Talking About Jamie

D&S Productions were back on stage with their production of ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’, directed by Donna Dale. Upon entering the auditorium, the audience were met with a spotlight on a pair of red heels on the stage. This created a sense of intrigue straight away. Margaret New entered and took them off stage, which was a nice link to her getting them for Jamie New for his birthday present. The set changes were completed relatively quickly, with the band covering the entirety of them. Using the desks as other pieces of set was a neat idea. The pace of the production was generally good and the production moved along at a good pace. Donna’s direction was secure, and the stage blockings were good. The quick change for Jack on stage getting into drag was impressive – well done to those involved with this. Costumes were very good throughout, especially the over-the-top drag costumes. They really did bring the production to life.

Grace Harman was the musical director for this production. She led the band very well throughout, and she was able to cover the scene changes effectively with music. The vocals from the cast were good, with some excellent solo performances.

Charlotte Allmand was the choreographer of ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’. The choreography was fresh and current, especially in the scenes with the classmates. The cast attacked the choreography and performed it well.

Technical elements were a bit hit and miss throughout the production. The lighting design was good throughout. The balance between the band and the cast was off, with the band being loud throughout, especially in the big numbers, making it difficult to hear the cast’s vocals.

Slipping into Jamie New’s heels was Jack Darker. Jack completely embodied Jamie New, and was the total package in this role. Jack performed with ease, and commanded the stage. The range of emotions that Jack portrayed throughout was very good, with the wit of the character shining through. The scene with his dad and the following confrontation with his mum were heart breaking, showing how truthful Jack’s performance was. Good luck with your future training at Italia Conti, Jack!

Playing Jamie New’s mum, Margaret New, was Jack’s real mum, Lindsey Darker. The protective nature of Margaret New was evident in Lindsey’s performance, as she tried to look out for the best interests of her son. Lindsey’s performance of ‘He’s My Boy’ was raw and emotional. This was a touching performance.

Sara Cubbin was a joy as Ray. Sara built excellent relationships with both Lindsey and Jack. She showed how much she cared for Jamie New and a fierce, protective side to the character. There were plenty of comic moments throughout, which Sara delivered with aplomb. A wonderful performance.

Kaya Howard put in a strong performance as Pritti Pasha. She brought a sincerity to the character, and created a believable friendship with Jack. Kaya’s interactions with the rest of the cast were great, showing Pritti as an outsider. Her performance of ‘It Means Beautiful’ was quite simply, beautiful. Kaya brought the audience in to Pritti’s life with this emotional performance.

Nick Hawkswell did well as Hugo/Loco Chanelle. He created a believable character as the faded drag queen, who becomes Jamie New’s mentor by chance. He showed a protective nature towards Jamie New, which he was able to display both backstage with the other drag queens and after Jamie New’s assault. This was a convincing performance from Nick.

Supporting Nick as his entourage of drag queens were George Lomax (Sandra Bollock), Damian Riverol (Tray Sophisticay) and Tayler Spruce (Laika Virgin). These were good performances, with them able to show great wit and sass, whilst also delivering three distinct characters. Damian also played Jamie’s Dad, and was able to show the complete opposite to Tray Sophisticay.

Anna Graves played Miss Hedge. Miss Hedge is a nuanced character, as it could be played two dimensionally, but Anna made her a real person. You could sense her conflict in banning Jamie New from the prom, creating a wholly believable character.

Thomas Graves did well as the bully, Dean Paxton. This was a difficult part to play, and Thomas did well to portray the different emotions of Dean. Perhaps some more aggression in his voice would have benefitted his performance.

The ensemble of young performers did well throughout, many with named roles. They were full of energy and attacked the songs and routines well. They added greatly to the boisterous school scenes. A standout was Jonathan McAdams, who also appeared as Young Loco, during ‘The Legend of Loco Chanelle’. Jonathan was able to show off his fantastic dance ability during this number.

Overall, this was a good production. The young performers were the standout, the music was performed well, and there was some good direction.

A big thank you to everyone at D&S Productions for their kind invite.

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