Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – A COVID casualty we would love to see return!

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a musical theatre production that tells the story of Jamie New, a 16-year-old boy who lives in Sheffield, England. Jamie dreams of becoming a drag queen, despite the objections of his classmates, teachers, and father. With the support of his best friend and his loving mother, Jamie pursues his dream and becomes a local sensation, winning over even his harshest critics.

The show is actually based on a true story and a BBC documentary, which followed Jamie as he faced bullies and prejudice to step into the spotlight, with the support of his loving mum and friends. The show is both topical and timely, presenting an extended modern “family” of relatable characters who will make you laugh, cry, and feel inspired.

The musical features a feel-good, coming-of-age story about acceptance, self-discovery, and standing up for oneself. The show is set to an upbeat and catchy soundtrack, with high-energy dance numbers and standout performances from the cast. It has been well received by audiences and critics alike, receiving positive reviews for its humour, heart, and message of inclusiveness and acceptance.

An Australian production was set to premiere at the Sydney Opera House in 2020 followed by a national tour. James Majoos was cast to play the role of Jamie, alongside Simon Burke as his mentor Hugo/Loco Chanelle and Helen Dallimore as his loyal mum Margaret New. However due to the COVID-19 crisis the highly anticipated production was cancelled.

The closures of many musicals during the COVID-19 pandemic were largely due to government restrictions on public gatherings and safety measures that made it impossible for live performances to take place. As musicals rely heavily on live audiences for revenue, the closures resulted in significant financial losses for production companies and theatre owners. Social distancing guidelines also made it difficult to stage large productions with casts, crew, and audience members in close proximity.

Would you like to see this production return? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!