Last night Neva and I went along to the opening night of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and it was FABULOUS!
The theatre was buzzing with so much energy and excitement, and you could feel the love for this musical, before you’d even taken your seat!
There were two changes to the cast last night with Flinton Fynn taking on the role of Jamie and Daniel Jacob playing the part of Jamie’s dad.
And believe me, the only reason that you would know that Flinton wasn’t playing Jamie every single night, is because I have told you!
His performance was OUTSTANDING, such a fierce mover and played the part to perfection.
So, for anyone that isn’t aware of the story, this is what it says about Everybody’s Talking About Jamie….
Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation.
Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight.
Funny, fabulous and feel good, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie features an all-star cast including musical theatre icon Rebecca McKinnis as Margaret, star of the stage Sejal Keshwala as Ray.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie wonder Talia Palamathanan as Pritti WITH X-Factor winner and legend Sam Bailey as Miss Hedge AND Strictly Come Dancing royalty Kevin Clifton as Hugo/Loco Chanelle.
From the moment the very loud year 11 class hit the stage, you were transported back to your school days, and with me not far down the road in Barnsley, it certainly was a blast from the past!
All members of the cast worked together to push and pull the various parts of the scenery and props, allowing them to change from one situation to another, all done with precision and timing that was constant throughout.
Flinton gave a perfect performance as Jamie, he took you through every emotion, and made you love him even more.
The last time I saw Kevin Clifton was in Strictly Ballroom but this time he was the one wearing the sequins! He played Hugo/ Logo Chanelle and he was the perfect northern drag queen, with a couple of moves snuck in!
Sam Bailey plays Miss Hedge, the not very understanding teacher, which is a different role to the one I saw her in Fat Friends, she is very matter of fact, telling the children to think about ‘proper’ jobs instead of reality tv, but isn’t as understanding as she could be towards Jamie and his future dreams.
Unlike Jamie’s mum Margaret (Rebecca McKinnis) and Ray (Sejal Keshwala) who were super supportive and exactly what a teen needs to help them navigate those difficult teenage years!
The production sent you on a rollercoaster of emotions, with some beautiful costumes, fabulous make-up and sing along tunes.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is on at Norwich Theatre until Saturday 29th June, but be quick as the matinee on Saturday is already Sold Out! Grab your tickets HERE
If you are not local, they will be travelling to Bradford and then to Leicester, find out more information on Everybody’s Talking About Jamie website