You might not think that a show based on a documentary would bring the emotional highs and lows of a musical.
However, that’s certainly something that translates itself into Everyone’s Talking About Jamie.
Based on a 2011 BBC documentary, the musical follows a 16-year-old from Sheffield overcoming the bullying of his classmates and disapproval of his father to become a drag queen.
In a show that bursts with colour, high energy musical numbers are well punctuated with powerful solos from the lead cast.
Headed by Ivano Turco, now the fourth lead to take on the role of Jamie, his stage presence helps him stand out from the crowd in the ensemble numbers while holding the audience when alone.
A high octane first act is complimented by the three drag queens serving as role models to young up-and-coming Jamie – John Partridge’s Loco Chanelle excels both in and out of costume.
In terms of heart-wrenching emotion, nothing can compare to Rebecca McKinnis’s solo efforts as Jamie’s mother, Margaret.
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One of the highlights of the show came midway through the second act – the rendition of He’s My Boy was packed with emotion and well deserved the rapturous applause it was met with from the Theatre Royal crowd.
Everyone’s Talking About Jamie beautifully balances the emotion and energy of the musical’s central tale.
Taking a documentary and turning it into a captivating, energetic production may not be easy but at the end of the day all you need is a good story. Director Matt Ryan and creators Dan Gillespie Sells, Tom Macrae and Jonathan Butterell show that off in abundance with clever staging and emotional storytelling.
Overall, the musical showcases a poignant story of acceptance both by oneself and the people around you – and all told with a Yorkshire twang.
The show runs in Brighton until November 11.
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