Everybody's Talking About Jamie Review (Hull New Theatre)

20 June 2024 I 19:30 I Hull New Theatre

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This evening marks my third visit to Everybody's Talking About Jamie, following my previous trips over five years ago. Still resonating with such profound resilience, this is truly the era defining musical for our times, honouring honesty and acceptance through the LGBTQ+ community. On the surface, written by Dan Gillespie Sells and Tom Macrae, this show prioritizes joy, with an often high octane score and modern pop approach. But the story of a northern teen coming into his sexuality and gender identity can, and continues to, impassion audiences of all ages. Whether it is a garnered approval of identity, or being able to relate to the hurt of prejudice, theatre proves itself to be a safe place for many people, and this is the historical impact that defines Everybody's Talking About Jamie in cultural brilliance.

Fronting as our Alternate Jamie New, Finton Flynn is a megastar, bursting onto stage with an immediate magnetism, a lovability that compiles the fierce qualities we know Jamie for. Though what cements Flynn as my favourite performer in the role to date, is the openness to vulnerability, tuning into these insecurities that feel lived and sincere. Through the lows, Flynn never fails to bring a tear to my eye (which is a rare occasion!), simply outstanding in how he handles emotion so delicately. As Jamie aspires for stardom, Finton Flynn is on exactly the same trajectory, I expect big things in his future!!

Talia Palamathanan as Pritti compliments the role with a nurturing and gentle performance, a manifestation of the ultimate friend. Though the character has a nervous disposition, Palamathanan really comes into her own through her solos. Particularly Spotlight to showcasing tremendous vocals, pride in the silenced minorities speaking up. Adding to this, Rebecca McKinnis and Sejal Keshwala (Margaret and Ray respectively) provide an endearing support system for Jamie, both delivering the heart of the musical. Notably through the hardships of a low income single mother, McKinnis' exhaustion is assured, holding empathy in such circumstances.

Kate Prince's choreography work is superbly energised, dominating every inch of the stage with contemporary styling. Movement is sharp and refined, endlessly impressive to just be mesmerised in by the perfect ensemble, beyond faultless! This particularly shines in Work Of Art, led confidently by Georgina Hagen's Miss Hedge (alternate), where the balance between the stern and diva is extremely well studied. Lucy Carter's lighting design engages the passion of the musicality with great success, upping the dramatic flair without overshadowing the action.

Pleasantly surprising in the role of Hugo / Loco Chanelle, Kevin Clifton is an all round tremendous performer, especially in drag, with the necessary theatricality to own the stage. A commanding presence that needs to be seen! And Jordan Ricketts is a compelling antagoniser through Dean. We absolutely loathe the character, which is the perfect testament to Ricketts' talent, whose threatening presence doesn't shy away from the bigotry unfortunately present in society today, holding crucial relevance.

Everybody's Talking About Jamie, under Jonathan Butterell's original direction, is exceptionally clever as it speaks to our world today. It tackles the silencing of queer voices, and combats these attitudes in an affirming light. A lot of people need this musical now, and we should all be so grateful for everything this show represents.