Everybody’s Talking About Jamie... and for all the right reasons

You may think a West End hit musical touching on racism, gender identity, bullying and parental abandonment would reduce you to tears – and you’re not wrong.

But, for me, they were shed for all the right reasons.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie opened at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen on Tuesday to a captivated audience who lapped up the brilliant humour, fantastic acting and wonderful score.

Based on Jamie Campbell’s real-life story, the musical takes you on a journey of discovery through the life of a 16-year-old Sheffield schoolboy who sets about realising his dream of becoming a drag queen.

It is an emotional rollercoaster but one that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Like all good stage plays, the journey is not an easy one and he faces an obstacle or two along the way.

Lead character Jamie New is played by Ivano Turco, who completely steals the show.

His elegance, wit and charm were infectious, and his performance of more than two hours was worth the ticket fee alone.

Special credit must also go to Rebecca McKinnis, as Margaret New, whose version of He’s My Boy reduced me to tears, and Talia Palamathanan, as Jamie’s best friend, Pritti.

The cast is supported by an incredible live band cleverly hidden in the setting.

Each tune is as good as the last and, alongside the witty script, manages to lift what could be at times a rather dark show.

But with every tragic tale, there is a happy ending, reminding all that it is best to embrace being fabulous, to be who you want to be and never let the bigots win.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is at His Majesty’s Theatre until Saturday.

The show features a stellar cast and fabulous songs.