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Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: A Must See Musical!

amomentwithfranca · 9 April 2018 · 33 Comments

I love going to the West End. Watching plays and musicals is one of the things that I enjoy the most. The musicals I’ve been to recently have been more family oriented for my little ones. But I was really looking forward to going to a musical with Nick. We had that opportunity when we were asked to review the latest musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. I didn’t know much about this musical apart from it receiving critical acclaim from both critics and audiences since it opened in November last year. So we were really looking forward to watching it.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is currently playing at the Apollo Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue, in the heart of the West End. It is only minutes away from Piccadilly Circus tube station. I was not feeling my best that night as I was at the start of what resulted in 10 days in bed with 40 of fever suffering from serious sinusitis but despite that, I had this feeling that I had to go and that I wouldn’t regret it and thankfully I did go because it was certainly worth it.

ARRIVING AT THE THEATRE

While I was walking from the station I was able to see the theatre and the big, bright sign. I got super excited when I saw it. I knew it was going to be a good night and I completely forgot about not feeling very well. Nick, who met me after work, arrived not long after me and we went it. We were greeted, given a lovely goodie bag and guided to our seats.

INSIDE THE APOLLO THEATRE

We were given stall seats which was really nice as we were able to see the show very closely. I have not been to the Apollo Theatre before and I really loved it inside. It is lovely and has lots of charm. It is not very big but it was perfect to feel that cosiness.

THE MUSICAL

This musical is inspired by a true story. It is about Jamie New, a 16-year-old who lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in and he is terrified of the future. 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.

I was really impressed with this musical. The singing, the dancing, the topic covered were all amazing. It is very touching, especially if you are a mother. I kept thinking what if something similar happens to my daughters. I learnt so much from the character of Jamie’s mum and definitely being a loving mother will always help conquer those difficult moments.

I am not going to lie, I even had some tears during some emotional parts. I really love when a show and its characters transport me into the story so I feel like I am also living those feelings! This is of course due to the amazing and talented cast.

Interval

The show lasts 2 hrs and 40 minutes including the interval. During the interval, we went downstairs to the bar. They had an area allocated to the media. We were given some bracelets to get some complimentary drinks, so we went to join the queue.  There were lots of people, so it took some time to be served but we enjoyed our drinks together with some tasty crisps.

Photo used from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’s website

In the second part of the show we got into the most emotional scenes and some great singing to accompany this. It was all magnificent! I don’t want to tell you too many details about it because I don’t want to spoil it for you but I promise you would like it.

MEETING THE REAL JAMIE AND THE CAST

Meeting the real Jamie

When the show ended, we got to meet the real Jamie, who inspired the story, as well as the cast. These are the moments I really feel so thankful for having such a lovely job that brings me so many amazing opportunities.

There is nothing more appealing than after watching a show, you are able to meet the people behind it. Jamie was there and looked exactly how I imagined him! He told us a little bit about his amazing journey which was fantastic! I was so happy that he was there and best of all I was able to take a photo with him. He was so nice and was happy to have a chat with us about the show and his experience with bullying. It was very inspiring!

After meeting Jamie, we were taken up to the stage to meet the cast. OMG, that was brilliant! I really wanted to speak with John McCrea who plays the main role (Jamie). He is just amazing. He will be the best new superstar. Just wait and see! He did such a great performance that it was an honour to be able to meet him in person. Because of his performance, he has won Best Performance in A Musical, The Jack Tinker Award for Most Promising Newcomer at The Critics Circle Theatre Awards and nominated for Best Actor in a Musical at the Olivier Awards. How fantastic is that?

We also met the rest of the cast which was also really nice. I got a photo with Phil Nichol too, who plays the role of Hugo Battersby, a brilliant Drag Queen. I also wanted to take a photo with Lucie Shorthouse who plays the role of Pritti Pasha, Jamie’s best friend but we ran out of time so couldn’t. But it was a fantastic experience and just amazing to be able to meet them all in person and say hi.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHOW & AWARDS

Photo used from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’s website

The show performance time is Monday to Saturday at 7:30pm and Wednesday and Saturday at 2:30pm. You can get tickets from £20. Their booking period has been extended to Saturday 6th October.

The music for the show was created by Dan Gillespie Sells from The Feeling. Dan Gillespie-Sells won the Best Composer Award for Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Stage Debut Awards. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie won the UK Theatre Awards for Best Musical Production as well as the Attitude Culture Award 2017.

John McCrea and Josie Walker. (Photo used from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’s website)

After being nominated for four awards back in December 2017, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie also received three of the awards at The WhatsOnStage Awards: Best Actor in a Musical for John McCrea in the title role, Best Actress in a Musical for Lucie Shorthouse and her portrayal of Jamie’s best friend, Pritti Pasha and Best New Musical.

And recently they have been nominated for 5 Olivier Awards: Best New Musical, Oustanding Achievement in Music, Best Theater Choreographer, Best Actor in a Musical (John McCrea) and Best Actress in a Musical (Josie Walker). So as you can see, this musical is a must see!

OUR THOUGHTS

Nick and I really enjoyed this musical. I felt it was really emotional to watch and I loved all the dancing and singing. It is a really fun show and I really think you should go and watch it because you would definitely enjoy it as much as I did. I promise you will have a great time.

Do you like going to musicals? What do you think of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie? Do you fancy watching it? 

*Disclosure: We were invited to watch Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and then meet the cast and the real Jamie as part of a lovely blogging event for the purpose of this review. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks for stopping by,

Love you all ❤️

Franca  💋

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Filed Under: Theatre & shows, Events, Review, Reviews

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carol desjardins says

    9 April 2018 at

    Sounds really good. It must have been an amazing experience for you both to meet everyone..
    Love musicals would love to see it.

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      9 April 2018 at

      Yes, it was an amazing experience. This musical is really good! I hope you can watch it. I know you would like it too! 🙂 x

      Reply
  2. Lydia C. Lee says

    14 April 2018 at

    Not heard of this yet. But I love a good musical! #KCACOLS

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      15 April 2018 at

      It is great this show! Yes, I love a good musical too! 🙂 x

      Reply
  3. Fiona Cambouropoulos says

    15 April 2018 at

    What an amazing experience! I have a friend that wants to go and see this, perhaps we should it does sound good and moving too. #KCACOLS

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      15 April 2018 at

      Yes, it is very moving! A really good show! Hope you can see it! 🙂 x

      Reply
  4. Veronica Lee says

    15 April 2018 at

    Sounds like a fantastic performance. Musicals are my thing and I would love to see this.

    #KCACOLS

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      15 April 2018 at

      I love musicals too! 🙂 x

      Reply
  5. Laura | Dot Makes 4 says

    15 April 2018 at

    I’ve not heard of this musical before, but it sounds amazing! I was thinking about going to the West End soon, so I’ll have to check it out! 🙂

    #KCACOLS

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      15 April 2018 at

      Oh yes, check it out! It is a really good show! 🙂 x

      Reply
  6. Carol Cameleon says

    15 April 2018 at

    Oh I love a good musical, where you can be transported to another but in your own world! This sounds great and amazing that you got to meet the real Jamie and the cast! Thanks for hosting #kcacols

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      15 April 2018 at

      Definitely meeting a cast was an unforgettable experience! We were very lucky! 🙂 x

      Reply
  7. Cassie says

    15 April 2018 at

    Oh wow Franca! This sounds like an incredible night and I’d love to go see it. How amazing to meet Jamie himself. I’d be like that with James from A Street Cat Named Bob. Sounds like a bargain price for a London show too! I’ll defo check it out.

    #KCACOLS

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      15 April 2018 at

      It was Cassie! I was so excited when we were able to meet Jamie and the cast! It was a fantastic night! 🙂 x

      Reply
  8. Sophie says

    15 April 2018 at

    Oh I love a good musical but living out in the country, it takes quite an effort. We saw Les Mis for the fourth time back in January; always such a great night out. I will look this one up, it looks amazing. Thanks so much for such a comprehensive review. #KCACOLS

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      15 April 2018 at

      Aww, thank you! So glad you found it useful! I hope you can go and see it. It is a moving show! 🙂 x

      Reply
  9. Clare - Flip flops or wellies says

    15 April 2018 at

    I love the West End but not had the chance to go for ages. This sounds like a great show. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  10. Clare says

    15 April 2018 at

    OMG I absolutely LOVE the theatre, especially musical productions. I will definitely be checking this one out, as it looks perfect. Do you think it would be suitable for my 8 year old?? He loves the theatre too, and in fact has just stated musical theatre school. #kcacols

    Reply
  11. Tubbs says

    16 April 2018 at

    We were talking about this show the other day as we thought it would be a good show for us all to go to. This definitely makes me want us to go now. Thank you

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      16 April 2018 at

      You are welcome! So happy this was useful! It definitely worth a visit! It is a fab show! 🙂 x

      Reply
  12. jenna says

    16 April 2018 at

    I’m absolutely kicking myself that I didn’t go to watch this in Sheffield! If it comes back I definitely will as it sounds incredible! It’s so lovely that you got to meet the real Jamie and talk to him about his story that must have brought the whole thing together wonderfully! #KCACOLS

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      16 April 2018 at

      Oh no! What a shame that you didn’t see it when it was on in Sheffield! Yes, meeting the real Jamie and the cast was an unforgettable experience! Hope you can see it sometime soon! 🙂 xx

      Reply
  13. Becky @ Educating roversi says

    17 April 2018 at

    I’ve recently contacted my local theatres to see if I can combine my blogging with my drama teacher side and collaborate with them on some children’s theatre performances.
    I love a musical and I haven’t heard of this one but it sounds very current and relevant. I’m sure the teenage audience it’s aimed at will relate to the characters #KCACOLS

    Reply
  14. Lisa Pomerantz says

    18 April 2018 at

    I’ve never heard of this, and I must say, it sounds great! It looks like you all had a lovely time too! Bravo to all! #KCACOLS xoxo

    Reply
  15. Tracey says

    19 April 2018 at

    I’ve heard such good things about this play, definitely on my list of shows to see! 🙂 #KCACOLS

    Reply
  16. Ali Duke says

    21 April 2018 at

    I haven’t been to the theatre in so long! This looks like it has a really interesting story.
    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  17. Beth Owen says

    22 April 2018 at

    I have never watched a musical before but really want to! This musical sounds AMAZING and I would LOVE to watch it! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  18. Tim says

    25 April 2018 at

    I’ve heard good things about this show and it’s definitely on our list. Although first we’ve got a second go at Hamilton to do – this time we’re taking the kids with us as they’re obsessed with the show. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  19. Tracey Bowden says

    26 April 2018 at

    It sounds absolutely brilliant Franca. As you know I am a big fan of musicals so I may have to try and get to London to see this! #kcacols

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      26 April 2018 at

      You will love it, Tracey! It is a fab musical! 🙂 xx

      Reply
  20. Bread says

    26 April 2018 at

    I saw the documentary. As a member of the LGBTQ community and a fan of drag I cannot wait to see this musical. Jamie is a bloody inspiration to every lgbt kid. #kcacols

    Reply
  21. Laura Dove says

    28 April 2018 at

    Oh I have heard amazing things about this, it sounds fantastic!! I saw the documentary he was in too and just love him! We were at the Apollo this week also! #kcacols

    Reply
  22. Crummy Mummy says

    28 April 2018 at

    I can’t remember the last time I went to the theatre – looks so much fun! #KCACOLS

    Reply

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HI THERE, I’M FRANCA!

Hi, I'm Franca, a lawyer mum of 2 gorgeous girls married to my best friend, living in London. Award nominated parenting & lifestyle blogger. Read More…

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