Everybody's Talking About Jamie (Teen Edition)

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie follows Jamie New, a teenager from Sheffield, who dreams of a life as a drag queen.  The story of his ambition and how this plays out with his family and friends is one local to the area and so it was brilliant to see YPPA present the Teen Edition.  The opening “And You Don’t Even Know It” was fast, furious and set the scene for what was to come.  This and the opening of Act Two “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” were absolute stand-out moments of the ensemble’s work for me with ‘Jamie’ front and centre.  Excellent choreography including wonderful arm movement the audience could be in no doubt about what was to come.

The characterisation by this young cast was very well done.  There were some real ‘characters’ in Year 11 (not unlike many classrooms today I guess), but they were well played and importantly, never over-played.  Abigail Lawrence (Becca), Georgia Spooner (Bex), Jasmin Daly (Vicki) and Alex Glaves (Fatimah) were spot on as ‘Prom Planning’, mickey taking, loud mouthed teenagers, perfectly challenging the uptight Miss Hedge, played with confidence by Connie Emery.  They, along with the other year 11 class members, Caley-Anne Earl (Samantha), Emma Watters (Constance), Ryan Venables (Sayid), Freddie Bintcliffe (Levi), Max Bintcliffe (Mickey) and James Dalton (Cy) were a perfectly problematic group of Year 11s about to step out into the ‘real’ world full opinions and dreams.  The ‘villain’ of the class is Dean Paxton (Ryan Rooth) - a strong actor in a part which doesn’t have the humour and excellent one-liners of many other roles in this piece.  Paxton was also a confident dancer and it was lovely to see him ‘redeem’ himself at the end.

Central to the story line are the ‘drag queens’ played by Amelia Shaw (Laika V), Tray Sophisticay (Abbie Beazley), Alex Joyce (Sandra B), Leah Keen (who had the roles of both Bonnie and Young Loco Chanelle). Played out with larger than life characters they showed Jamie another world of glitter, sequins and excitement that he so wanted to be part of.  Travis Jones took the role of Hugo/Loco Chanelle, who guides and supports Jamie into his new life.  Jones did well to play an ageing drag queen – not an easy task for a young performer and was entertaining in the number “The Legend of Loco Chanelle” supported by his drag queen entourage.

Ellicia Williams-Smith (Margaret New) and Ruby Medley (Rae) were a perfect pairing as Jamie’s mum and her hard talking friend.  The interactions between these two ladies over tea and chocolate were cleverly directed so that it was easy to see their friendship and the support given to each other as well as setting the scene so that we understood the challenges faced by Jamie as he was growing up.   Williams-Smith sang beautifully, particularly in two numbers – the tear-jerking “My Man, Your Boy” and “If I Met Myself Again” which featured a beautifully choreographed contemporary duet performed by Georgia Spooner and Ryan Rooth – this was a highlight of the show -  cleverly lit and emotionally charged.  Korie Hedley was most unlikeable as Wayne New, Margaret’s ex and Jamie’s estranged father.

Kitty Esberger was a stunning Pritti – she captured the beauty and strength of this character perfectly.  In a show full over ‘over statement’ she found a way to make ‘understated’ matter and wonderfully portrayed Jamie’s steadfast best friend.  Her solo “It Means Beautiful” really was excellent and her clear, articulate diction and pace throughout demonstrated that she is a very talented performer.  Of course, the final word has to go to the title role and Dillon Batey was a stand-out Jamie.   In high heels or school shoes he captured all the teenage angst along with the excitement and trepidation of a young person on the precipice of life.  Barely off-stage Batey gave an incredible performance in this very challenging role.  Excellent dancing and movement coupled with beautiful interactions with all the characters.   Batey showed great empathy and made it easy for the audience to love him – a really fabulous performance.

The set worked well and costumes were perfectly suited to the show.   Props were swiftly moved by cast and crew and the show had strong lighting and sound.  The direction, choreography and musical direction demonstrated the talents of this young cast.  Ashley James (Director), Danyl James (Choreographer) and Andy Collis (Musical Director) are to be congratulated on working with not one, but two casts to pull off this sell out show.  Whilst I only saw the Wednesday night performance I am confident that the alternate cast will have been just as strong.

Congratulations to everyone involved in sharing Jamie’s journey with us including the Cast, Production Team, Backstage and Front of House – an excellent show.

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