Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Over in Harrogate this past week, Everyone really was talking about Jamie. And so they should have been. This stunning piece of theatre deserved all the plaudits it had received, the standing ovations and more. Set in Sheffield, it tells the story of 16 year old Jamie New, a wannabe drag queen.

Director and Choregrapher, Louise Dennison & Musical Director, Jim Lunt, should be applauded at the show that they created and presented to audiences this week. Louise made sure that every t was crossed and I was dotted in terms of detail, and the choreography was most impressive. Jim had worked hard with this talented cast, which produced wonderful harmonies. The 8 piece band, under Jim’s direction, added to the production.

The class of year 11 pupils were under the control of Miss Hedge, played perfectly by Vicky Eustace. Having seen Jamie May times, Eustace  made the role human and not ‘panto villain’ which is often done. You could feel the angst and care she had for the children in her care, and wanted them all to succeed in life. A strong performance came from Connor Elliott, as class bully Dean Paxton. I think Elliott secretly relished the opportunity to push around his fellow performers. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next for this talented young actor. In his first appearance with the Players, Gary Skipper, had the tough role of portraying Jamie’s Dad. Skipper’s portrayal was most unlikable and an absolute joy to watch. In Jamie’s corner we had Leoni Fadzilah as Pritti Pasha. Fadzilah performed with warmth and maturity beyond her years, and treated us to some great vocals.

A big part of this show revolves around the art form of drag, and the drag queens in this show were a firm audience favorite. Clive Kirkham, played Jamie’s mentor, Hugo/Loco Chanelle. Kirkham
Did a great job in this very funny role, I particularly enjoyed his portrayal of the number ‘The Legend of Loco Chanelle’ where he was joined Joey Eden Drew Bennett and Ross Tonkin as Tray Sophisticay, Laika Virgin and Sandra Bollock respectively. These four performers really gelled and kept the sisterhood alive and kicking. Carly Howarth as Jamie’s mum’s BFF, Ray, excelled and delivered her comedy punch lines with a brilliance that Victoria Wood would have applauded. Can you tell me where I can get some maltoosers from please?

At the heart of the show, is the relationship between a Mum and her Son. Susan Wilcox was utterly remarkable as Margaret New and her unconditional love for her boy, came flooding off the stage and in to audience. Wilcox’s rendition of He’s My Boy was raw, emotional and captivating. She had the audience in the palm of her hand. Even the sweet wrappers stopped rustling.

And so to Jamie New…how do you portray a character who’s a boy… who sometimes wants to be a girl… is a comedian… needs to be able to act, sing, dance AND walk in heels? The answer is simple. Cast Jack Moran. From his first entrance to his last, Moran wasn't playing Jamie, he WAS Jamie. It was an absolute honour to witness his performance. 

The ensemble acted, sang and danced their way through the many high energy numbers with ease. However it would be a miss of me to not mention the wonderful dancing skills and stage presence of Leon Venn. 

It was a pleasure to present long service awards before the start of the performance  to your members who keep amateur theatre alive in Harrogate. Thank you so much for a brilliant evening, HSAP. It was wonderful to see you all on stage. The place where you belong

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