Everybody`s Talking About Jamie

I really felt for all the cast and crew on the evening that I went to see Congress Players production of “ Everybody`s Talking  About  Jamie” – it was sweltering hot and it`s a relatively compact theatre space, this didn`t hamper the performance though because from the first note the energy level was through the roof and it didn`t drop once.

The set designed by Aaron Smith and John Wood was perfect for this space – I loved when the schoolroom wall folded back to reveal the whole kitchen scene – very slick, Pritti`s bedroom up above with the transparent layer – very well thought out. The use of the  lighting and video wall  by MSL Group fitted so well into the concept – it was fresh, new and exciting. Sound by Aaron Smith was good with a few gremlins. Wardrobe by Phillipa Jepsen was current and relatable, props by Janet Hinchliffe were handled well by the cast and were fitting to the scenes. Choreography by Jane Wood was so energetic - from the very  first note, every move was fine tuned , the ensemble in this production were phenomenal – they brought it in bucket loads, they had sass, humour, empathy and pure heart. John Wood as Director has managed to put together a team both on stage and off that really brought out the heart and soul of this musical. The collaboration of Paul Firth and Katherine Farrow as Musical Directors gave us some very strong harmonies and vocal acrobatics combined with some very hard hitting  empathetic projection. The balance between dialogue and music was good .

The ensemble, as  I have already mentioned were phenomenal with their constant attack in the full numbers both vocally and in their execution of the choreography. Kimberley Bates as Miss Hedge managed to stay upright on some skyscraper heels while delivering a very believable performance, Jo Bell as Ray was the Aunty everyone wanted , she gave us a very in depth look into her character in a few seconds , she had her sideways glances timed to perfection. Sarah Thewlis as Margaret New gave us everything with her rendition of  “ He`s My Boy” I don`t think that there was a dry eye in the house. Sarah had a great connection with the audience and there was some superb chemistry and timing on stage with Alex Wylie (Jamie). I was taken aback to hear that “ Jamie” was Alex`s first musical – nothing like a baptism of fire! I will admit I did hear some nerves and wobbles  at the very beginning of “ And You Don`t Even Know It” but Alex was soon in a very comfortable place and delivered a very solid and empathetic performance. Niamh Edge as Pritti gave a strong performance backed up by some strong, solid vocals, we saw some beautiful chemistry on stage between her and Alex. Isaac Jess played the bully Dean Paxton  with understated realism, he had some good scenes  with Alex which showed off his timing skills. Matthew Gavin (Trey Sophisticay), Paul Hodgkinson(Laika Virgin) and John Harrison

(Sandra Bollock) played the drag queen trio with some fabulous comedic timing, they all walked better in heels than I do! Rob Haslam as the  aging retired drag queen Loco Chanelle gave an empathetic performance , he told the story well and wasn`t afraid to leave pauses. The juxtaposition of the characters  of Hugo/Loco and Jamie`s Dad (Mat Hepplestone) was very obviously portrayed. Mat owned his character from the moment he set foot on the stage , he made a connection with the audience and we all as one disliked him. There was some strong chemistry between him and Sarah (Margaret)and an air of tired , world weariness surrounded them as a fractured couple which was relatable to the audience. This production had heart and definitely made me feel , thank you for inviting me, both myself and my guest enjoyed your production of  Everybody`s Talking About Jamie. See you all again soon.

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