Everybody's Talking About Jamie

What a fabulous production of Everybody's Talking About Jamie at Dearne Playhouse.  Even before the opening number the perfectly set open stage and band raised above the action suggested that the company had produced something very special.

The lead performers were phenomenal, delivering confident, engaging and believable performances throughout.   Courtney Wordsworth was a commanding Miss Hedge, trying hard to keep her wayward form under control.  Chris Nutbrown was a menacing Dean Paxton, the bully of the story.  As Paxton, Nutbrown used a threatening demeanour to taunt Jamie, but then cleverly transitioned into a somewhat bewildered classmate, shocked at Jamie’s kindness to him at the end.  (It was a bonus for the audience that Nutbrown got the opportunity to demonstrate his dancing ability during the walkdown).  The role of Pritti Pasha was sensitively played by Charlotte Dalby, who really captured this character.  Dalby has a strong stage presence and the direction of the piece worked well using different levels of stature particularly between Pritti and Jamie. 

Freya Carr was an energetic and engaging Ray (the family friend who supports and guides Jamie whilst trying hard to lead his mum astray).  Carr was funny and had great comic timing.  Sam Simmons really impressed in the role of Wayne New (Jamie’s unsupportive father).  Great delivery and super characterisation – the audience could be in no doubt of the challenges Jamie’s mother had faced at the lack of compassion shown to Jamie.  Harrison Turner as Drag Artist Sandra Bollock – definitely found the larger-than-life side of Sandra.

Whilst Turner is a member of the cast aged between 10 – 23, three of the drag queen roles were undertaken by more ‘seasoned performers’.   Harry Lynch-Bowers was wonderful as the bombastic Laika Virgin and Robert Gordon as Tray Sophisticay most definitely looked the part with a physique to die for.  Gordon’s use of a Scottish accent was well maintained, and his finale dance moves ensured the audience really wanted to see a full performance of all three wonderful Queens at their Drag Club ’Legs Eleven’.  The drag lead, Loco Chanelle, was taken by Ashley Booker-Wright.  No stranger to a dress and a wig Booker-Wright was impressive in his south Yorkshire persona of Hugo making his switch to the Australian inspired Drag Artist, Loco, even more enjoyable.  Booker-Wright was empathetic in his reassurances and encouragement of Jamie, but also engaging in his retellings of his own story and difficulties.  “The Legend of Loco Chanelle” was fantastic.

All of the ensemble numbers were well rehearsed, delivered with passion, energy and were a credit to the MD and choreographer. “And You Don’t Even Know It” set the bar high, but standard of singing throughout was wonderful, with some truly memorable musical moments.  What impressed the most was the emotional maturity shown by the young performers. They conveyed the highs, lows and complexities of the story with sincerity and conviction, often portraying emotions and experiences far beyond their own years. In particular, Scarlet Buxton as Margaret New, deserves special recognition for a sensitively judged and deeply moving performance as a mother whose love for her son overrides all her fears about the life he has chosen to live. “If I Met Myself Again” was beautifully sung by Buxton, whilst supported by three members of the dance team portraying the different ages of Margaret’s life.  This was a very tender and moving moment in the production. 

And there can be no doubt that in this part of South Yorkshire and probably wider afield people are definitely ‘Talking About Jamie’ – to be more precise Tyler-Jay Moore as Jamie.  A standout performance  from this relative newcomer to the Musical Theatre genre and his debut performance in a title role.  Moore was captivating as Jamie as he tries to find his place in the world, follow his dreams and come to terms with the fact that those around him aren’t all supportive of his endeavours.  It was a passionate, emotive and honest portrayal with Moore wonderfully capturing the physicality of this role especially the moment in new shoes.  He was simply breathtaking as this naïve character with a myriad of complexities and challenges  – very well done.

A number of cast members played supportive roles to great effect and also worked well with the ensemble.  The choreography, which was energetic and inventive,  was executed with great precision by the entire cast.  Hats off to Choreographer Amy Parker and Dance Captain Sophie Roddis for some great numbers – even on a stage full of school desks! The eight-piece band were on show throughout and sounded fantastic.  Congratulations to MD Matthew Symonds and Conductor Pete Lack.

Costume was perfect for the show and it was impressive that the cast behaved naturally with costumes and hair onstage - totally in keeping with their teenage personas.   The set was incredible and had been produced locally by Little Shop of Props.  There were many scene changes and the cast managed them all with great pace so as not to detract from the storyline.  The lighting and sound were all outstanding.  The use of projections was very impressive, especially at the end of Act One and the ‘Stage Door’ projection was brilliant.  The technical elements, which enhanced the storytelling and allowed the cast to shine, created a polished, professional production that was exactly what these young performers deserved.

Overall, this was an absolutely wonderful production that entertained, moved and inspired. Congratulations to Artistic Director Matthew Roddis and Producers  Amy Parker & Rebecca Elliott along with everyone involved both on and off the stage—you should all be incredibly proud of what you achieved.

Photo credit: djimageryuk

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