Everybody's Talking About Jamie

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Hessle Theatre Company

 

Directors Richard Foot & Sarah Brodie, Musical Director Rebecca Barques, Choreographer Sarah Brodie

Hull Truck Theatre

21st October 2025

 

I think this show may need to change it name. Maybe ‘Everybody’s Talking about Jamie’ but everyone will certainly be talking about Hessle Musical Theatre after that performance. Their performance was nothing short of fabulous, a glittering, heartfelt triumph that deserves every ounce of praise. From the first electrifying note to the emotionally charged finale, the show took the audience on a rollercoaster of laughter, tears, and celebration.

Full credit must go to the exceptional production team: Director Richard Foot, Director and Choreographer Sarah Brodie, and Musical Director Rebecca Barques. Together, they created a vibrant, seamless, and professional production bursting with energy and emotion. The musicality throughout was outstanding, supported by a fantastic live band that played with precision and passion. Each number was delivered with real feeling, capturing the essence of the story and driving the emotion of every scene.

The set design was nothing short of exceptional. With the clever use of video screens to depict changing scenes and a complex combination of moveable staging elements, the transitions flowed effortlessly. Every movement was perfectly timed and executed, allowing the production to move fluidly from scene to scene. It was a huge technical achievement, beautifully managed under the expert supervision of Stage Manager Kieran Danby and the backstage team. The professionalism of this element alone elevated the entire performance.

The choreography, designed by Sarah Brodie, was an absolute triumph. Each routine reflected the show’s youthful energy, humour, and emotional depth. The cast delivered every sequence with precision and flair, clearly understanding the meaning behind every move. In fact, it feels unfair to use the word ‘ensemble’ here, as every performer shone individually as well as collectively. Therefore to name them individually. Grace Grey (Becca), Grace Galloway (Bex), Katie Leslie (Chelsea), Samantha Hotham (Lauren), Jiane Jamil (Fatima), Elis Johnson (Vicki), Oscar Morton (Sayid), Harry Salter (Cy), Jacob Gerken (Mickey), Chris Barques (Levi), and Callum Wright (Ollie) all brought infectious energy, distinctive personalities, and incredible commitment to their roles. From start to finish, every single cast member gave 110%, and their enthusiasm was utterly contagious. The opening number proved their collective talent and set the tone for an evening that was bursting with brilliance.

Among the standout performances were the sensational drag trio Mark Gillyon-Powell as Laika Virgin, Karl Maltby-Hitch as Sandra Bollock, and Josh Murraybutler as Tray Sophisticay. Fearless, funny, and full of charisma, their performances lifted the energy every time they stepped on stage and had the audience roaring with laughter.

Michelle Metcalfe gave a solid performance as Miss Hedge, maintaining the character’s no-nonsense demeanour while still allowing glimpses of vulnerability beneath the surface. James Gridley gave a chillingly convincing performance as Jamie’s Dad, embodying the character’s cold and distant nature with realism and control.

The trio of Joe Spence as Hugo, Lisa J. Coates as Ray, and Sarah North as Margaret were exceptional in their portrayals, forming the emotional heart of the story. Their interactions felt sincere and beautifully judged, with each performance complementing the others perfectly. Sarah North’s stunning rendition of He’s My Boy was one of the evening’s most moving moments, heartfelt, raw, and powerfully delivered, sending goosebumps throughout the audience.

A born performer, Joseph Walker as Dean Paxton brought a remarkable depth to his role. Often the school bully can feel one-dimensional, but Joseph infused Dean with nuance and complexity, making his journey and attitude completely believable. His energy, stage presence, and confidence were superb, marking him as a performer oozing pure talent that will only grow from strength to strength..

Meanwhile, Alexia Ho as Pritti Pasha was simply extraordinary. For such a young actress, she demonstrated astonishing emotional maturity and an effortless stage presence. Her chemistry with Jamie was natural and touching, grounding their friendship in authenticity. Her rendition of It Means Beautiful was one of the evening’s emotional highlights, sung with poise, clarity, and heartfelt sincerity that brought many in the audience to tears. Alexia’s vocal control, tone, and understated power suggest a very bright future ahead.

And of course, to the boy in the dress himself, Rhys Hodgson as Jamie New. What a phenomenal performance. From start to finish, Rhys owned the stage with confidence, humour, and immense emotional range. His vocals were strong and expressive, his acting deeply moving, and his charisma utterly magnetic. To show such talent, courage, and authenticity at such a young age is extraordinary. Rhys didn’t just play Jamie, he became him, and the result was captivating.

By the final number, the entire theatre was alive with energy and emotion. The standing ovation that followed was richly deserved, not only for Rhys but for every single person who contributed to this outstanding production. Hessle Musical Theatre’s Everybody’s Talking About Jamie was a dazzling celebration of individuality and community spirit, a true testament to the depth of local talent. Every performer and crew member should be immensely proud of what they’ve achieved. Here’s hoping the cast continues to enjoy every moment on stage and receives the standing ovations they so thoroughly deserve at every performance.

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