Have you ever wanted to see something, but circumstances got in the way? Well, it has been like that with me and Everyone’s Talking About Jamie until last night when I saw Robert Readman’s latest production which was a totally joyous experience.

By Angie Millard

Photos by Lotty Farmer

Harvey Stevens played Jamie with boundless energy, coupled with a secure elegance and style which took my breath away. He fronts up a dynamic cast of talented performers who fulfil all the challenges the show presents. Jamie’s year 11 classmates danced with precision, and their routines were impeccable. The choreographer, Ilana Weets, is to be congratulated.

The plot is based on a 2011 documentary which tells the story of Jamie Campbell, a 16-year-old boy whose life ambition was to be a Drag Queen. His aspirations, success, and the obstacles he overcomes on the way are the substance of the story. The score is composed by Dan Gillespie Sells and the book and lyrics written by Tom MacRae, together they have produced an immensely varied and cleverly crafted show. The band in this production are placed visibly upstage and led by Adam Tomlinson; they create a smooth, cohesive structure for the musical and are never intrusive.

Themes of acceptance, loyal friendship and support are woven together with a need for strength of conviction as we travel the road with Jamie. Sharp, slick dance routines blend with moving emotional moments and scenes are created with minimal furniture and sparkly lighting created by Will Nicholson. At times there is quiet reflection, Gemma McDonald (Jamie’s mother) expresses this perfectly in the song, My Boy where we share her unconditional love for him. Jamie’s father, (Andrew Isherwood) is the yang to her yin. He unsurprisingly cannot accept his son’s choices and plays the role with mindless prejudice.

Hugo (Zander Fick), the mentor and understanding role model, offers a nuanced portrayal again in direct contrast to the teacher, Miss Hedge (Alexandra Mather) whose rigid view of life cannot accept Jamie’s individuality. The plot unfolds around these tropes and is rescued by quirky characters like Pritti, a high achieving Muslim girl who is Jamie’s only school friend. Ruby Salter excels in this portrayal offering intelligent advice far beyond the character’s years. Jamie also has an ally in his mother’s friend Ray, played by Lotty Farmer. Her cheerful Northern humour is a welcome respite to unthinking prejudice. 

It is important to remember Jamie’s journey to become a Drag Queen is extraordinary for a 16-year-old and he follows it with difficulty. Scenes with the other Drag Queens offer camp and uncomfortably seedy, dressing room routines as the men appear wigless, in women’s tights and chest padding. This is the reality backstage and their final appearance in full costume is a revelation. Hugo as Loco Chanelle is drag personified and it is he who persuades Jamie to make his debut.

This is a difficult show and a brave undertaking. Well done Pick-Me-Up theatre, you pulled it off. However, I must say finally that I still can’t believe how effortlessly Harvey Stevens glides around the stage on those killer high heels. They become part of his character and an emblem of his right to choose. He is an immensely talented performer, and I salute him.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is being performed at Joseph Rowntree Theatre until 26 July 2025.