Theatre Review: Everybody's Talking About Jamie, Wales Millennium Centre
Summary
Rating: ★★★★
Running Dates: Monday 23rd October - Saturday 28th October
Where to see it: Wales Millennium Centre
Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes (including interval)
Keywords: Self-discovery, glamour & community
Photo Credit: Matt Crockett
Review
‘Everybody’s talking about Jamie’ tells the story of a young man, Jamie, who dreams of being a drag queen. The play shows Jamie’s struggles of being himself when surrounded by preconceptions, ignorance and doubt. We follow Jamies complex relationship with his mother and father, as well as his struggle with his school life and peers.
It clearly wasn’t just me that was drawn in by the show, the theatre was packed which really added to the atmosphere. Throughout the show, you could hear gasps and many giggles from the crowd as we went on Jamie’s journey with him and really grew to love his cheeky ways. The audience interaction didn’t stop there though, as by the end of the show everyone was up on their feet cheering and clapping along!
The set was sensational, I felt like I’d travelled all over Sheffield by the end of the show. We were never in one place for long. One of the best parts of the set was that you were intermittently able to see the live band. The passion from the band was clear as they played the catchy music that had you bopping along throughout.
The choreography and dancing was mesmerising, never a foot out of place, never a beat missed. Front flips, break dancing and lifts were just a few of the tricks that this cast had up their sleeve. I would’ve loved to see Jamie’s mum dance a little bit more throughout, she really caught my eye when she was dancing in the final number, she looked like she was having the time of her life!
Photo Credit: Matt Crockett
Wardrobe wasn’t just full of ‘glitz and glamour’, it was full of pom-poms, feathers, glitter, rhinestones, sequins and a GORGEOUS pair of stilettos. The hair and make-up really were second to none, the drag queens were phenomenal, really engaging and a real crowd pleaser. You could really feel the sense of community when everyone was on stage together, especially in the dressing room scene where Jamie experienced some self-doubt.
Overall, it was a fantastic show. As soon as you walked into the Millenium Centre, you were greeted by ‘Everybody’s talking about Jamie’ photo backdrops and the Millennium Center was even lit up in blue! It was a really immersive evening and I recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a story that pulls on your heartstrings whilst also showcasing the best of glitz and glamour.
If there’s one thing I know now… it’s why EVERYBODY’S talking about Jamie.
Photo Credit: Matt Crockett
Standout quote or moment: Jamie’s big reveal
See If: You love stories of self discovery…. with a touch of glamour
Similar plays: It’s one of a kind! A must-see!
Last impressions: Always be true to who you are
Written by Chloe Wilcox Jones