Everybody’s talking about Jamie - including audiences at the Birmingham Hippodrome, where the hit West End musical is running until Saturday.

Inspired by a 2011 BBC documentary called Jamie: Drag Queen At 16, the musical is based on the true-life story of a flamboyant teenager from a council estate in Sheffield. 
Jamie has a big dream: He wants to become a drag artist. But before that, he wants to attend his school prom wearing a dress.

Finding himself faced with oppression, homophobia and bullying, he shows great resilience in the face of the negativity he encounters, and is encouraged and supported in his quest by the people who love him most.

Ivano Turco plays Jamie and commands the stage, displaying charisma, sass, wit and vulnerability in equal measure. His strong, powerful singing voice means he’s not only a joy to watch but also a delight to listen to! And his ability to walk, dance, and perform high kicks while wearing killer six-inch heels was staggeringly impressive!

Jamie’s biggest advocates are his mum, Margaret (Rebecca McKinnis), and her best friend, Ray (Shobna Gulati). Both actors shine in their respective roles. Shobna’s delivery of one-liners and put-downs is faultless, while Rebecca’s solo spots are powerful both lyrically and in delivery. If I Met Myself Again reveals the naivety of a younger Margaret, while He’s My Boy is a profoundly emotional number celebrating the unconditional love she has for her son, regardless of the choices and mistakes he may make.

John Partridge gives a larger-than-life performance in the role of Hugo/Loco Channelle (retired drag queen). Hugo offers Jamie honesty but also tough love, and is responsible for booking the teenager’s first drag show after helping him choose the right dress. Along with his fellow drag queens, Hugo encourages Jamie to find his drag self - and so Mimi Me is created.

Special mention must also go to Talia Palamathanan and Jordan Ricketts...

Talia as Jamie’s ‘bestie’, Pritti, evolves from quietly supporting peer to a force to be reckoned with. As well as displaying impressive vocals in It Means Beautiful, she also provides some great comedy moments - including a scene concerning an eyebrow pencil in the school toilets, and another when she shouts out her first ever swear word!

Jordan, meanwhile, plays school bully Dean, the lad responsible for giving Jamie a hard time. An irritating character he may be, but Jordan’s performance is first class.

The main characters are supported by an awesome ensemble that gives the show a breathtaking pizazz.

Featuring glitzy costumes and amazing choreography, the whole production boasts an uplifting, energetic and youthful feel.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a modern feelgood musical that appeals to a broad cross-section of people regardless of their age, gender and cultural background. With joyful, catchy tunes and heartstring-pulling ballads, the production packs a really powerful emotional punch. It is a celebration of the perseverance of one young adult to be the person he really is, and a reminder that people everywhere face similar struggles on a daily basis.

Inspiring from start to finish, and more than worthy of the loud and joyous standing ovation last night’s audience provided, this is a real treat of a show that’s not to be missed. 

5 stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull on Tuesday 10 October at Birmingham Hippodrome, where it shows until Saturday (14 October). It then returns to the Midlands in the new year, showing at the Wolverhampton Grand from Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 January.