Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

The Musical Everybody’s talking about.

When people say the word ‘musical’ there is not always a positive reaction. It is a topic that isn’t for everyone. , However, there are a few that even non-musical fans can really enjoy. I believe that Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is truly one of them.

On the 8th August 2018 I saw Jamie with two of my best friends,  It was my first time being in the audience and my friend’s second. Since then I have seen twice more and she is on her 12^th time. I also have a few more times to look forward to towards the end of January.

Before my first time at the show, I had only heard two songs which were ‘And You Don’t Even Know It’ and ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ in which were from the Oliver  Awards show and West End Live performances. From these performances I knew I was going to witness something incredible, especially from what I heard many people who had been previously.

From the first moment to the very last note in ‘Out of the Darkness’ I was drawn in and never lost interest. The actors in the show create characters that you can truly relate to such as people like Jamie ( played by John Mcrea and Luke Bayer, as alternate) , Pritti ( in which  I have seen both Lucie Shorthouse and Cherelle Jay play) . As well as this the character of Dean Paxton is someone people might look to and feel like they can relate to by exercising a bully in their school life. The way Luke Baker executes the role in such a way makes you dislike Dean as a person and feel sorry for Jamie. You really believe in him when he stands up for himself towards Dean. The show makes me feel included in a place a way to be myself and find the best in yourself and others. In addition to this my favourite moment/scene in the show is when Jamie stands up to Dean “yeah Dean I am gay….” this scene is so powerful as it shows Jamie New standing up to his bully. It shows that he is strong and is able to be himself and do things that he wants to do, to and break through the hard times. Another moment in the show that sticks out for me is “if I met myself again”. When I saw the show on October 24^th 2018, Melissa Jacques was on as Margret and it was my second time seeing her in the role. The song itself doesn’t particularly interest me as such, however when it is incorporated with Melissa’s amazing vocals and her passion and the emotion that is portrayed through the dance by Ryan Hughes and Chloe Pole, it draws me in, and I cannot seem to take my eyes off the stage. It tells the story of the parents perfectly.

The show has many messages that come through to the audience. Each scene has an importance to the story and has a reason to be there. They show the progression in the character arcs such as Jamie learning new aspects about being a performer and how his dad then feels about him. The messages such as the showing you can be yourself and not letting anyone get in your way and just do you and live the life you want are something that is key.  These messages are strong come out to me through the whole show, through the songs, the script and the amazing cast that are a part of it. Songs such as ‘Wall in My Head’ and “ugly in this ugly world” are hard hitting songs that people feel strongly about whether you are a cast member or a fan.  They are a powerful piece of art that brings so much emotion through the character the way John and Luke act through the song makes it more meaningful for an audience member watching.

August 8^th 2018 when I first saw ETAJ John McCrea (Jamie new) was on and previously I had only seen one clip online of him as Jamie, John’s vocals and performance was more than I was expecting. And I loved it. John originally played the role as Jamie in Sheffield till it got a well deserved transfer to the west end in which he continued to play here in London on the west end. John’s performance means so much to so many people and helps fans in return. His kindness and compassion on and off stage is amazing. This is the same with Luke Bayer as alternate Jamie new. The way he acts through the songs and his passion playing the characters is utterly beautiful and brings off a sense of pure emotion. His performance draws you in completely and you feel the emotion that the character is feeling.

As a result of being a fan of the show I have made so many amazing friends that will cherish dearly. Events such as the Jamie Musical Fan Event that Matt and Grace (@jamie.musical on Instagram) organised and took place on the 1^st of September 2018 being my second time at the show and my first time seeing Luke Bayer on as Jamie New, shows the amazing way in which the show can bring people together. It can create friendships and allow people to have a family. I need to thank them both for doing what they have done and for the cast of the show have brought so many people together. Such as the Jamie family, Albany, Izzy , Isobelle , Tayla, Ella, krista, Rachael, Lara, lethianiel you guys are people that I have met in the last few months whether it was to do with the show or not, I know that you are people that care. It as a whole shows us a way that people truly belong.

The show means so much too so many people and relates to people in a way that helps everyone. It helps people to keep going and be stronger as a person and to relate to others. It allows people to be themselves and make sure it’s okay to stand out. The show inspires us to persevere and not give up on dreams and what we want in life.

In a nutshell “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” is really worth talking about. It’s something that everyone no matter who you are should 100% see. It is something so modern and meaningful that people can relate to. To sound cheesy, it really is “a place where we belong.

Catch the show at the Apollo Theatre London. If you want to see Luke Bayer as Jamie new he is on a Monday evening and a Wednesday matinee. John is one the other 6 shows in the week.