REVIEW of EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE AT THE LOWRY

 

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE AT THE LOWRY.

Review by Natalie Anglesey 

Yes indeed. Everybody is STILL Talking About Jamie, the hit musical which was warmly welcomed back to The Lowry last night. During its first visit the role of Jamie was played by Manchester's Layton Williams, who is soon to be seen on Strictly. Now there's a charismatic new star in the title role and when Ivano Turco is on stage it's difficult to notice anyone else. This new production will run at The Lowry from 7-17^th September launching its 2023-24 tour.

 

This critically acclaimed musical, brought standing ovations when it first arrived at The Lowry and has since proved a smash hit wherever it’s performed. Now, on its return, following a record-breaking three-year West End residency, a sold out UK & Ireland Tour and the Amazon studios award-winning film, the packed house responded equally enthusiastically.

We are often told that sixteen is the age when all possibilities are within your grasp . As an ex- teacher I’ve probably said so myself on occasion. But this musical explores the harsh reality that life may prove to be more difficult - as it certainly did for young Jamie New, beautifully performed and sung by Ivano Turco ( Get Up, Stand Up! Cinderella.)

At sixteen, Jamie lives on a council estate in Sheffield. where he doesn’t quite fit in and is worried about the future. However, he is supported by his loving mum, beautifully sung by Rebecca MCKinnis,( (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie West End, Dear Evan Hansen, We Will Rock You & Les Misérables)  and her best friend Ray, played by Shobna Gulati, (The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie West End and Film Coronation Street, Brassic) . With additional help from friends like Hugo, played by John Partridge, (Eastenders, The View Upstairs, La Cage Aux Folles, Chicago, A Chorus Line, CATS), Jamie finds the strength to overcomes many prejudices. 

 Belated support from Miss Hedge, his teacher played by Hayley Tamaddon, ( Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Chicago) and some classmates, they enable Jamie to beat the bullies and step into the spotlight. Created at a time when many were struggling for acceptance about their sexual identity, this ground-breaking musical has proved to be a positive milestone in that struggle.

With rave reviews from press and audiences, this proves to be a life-enhancing musical, set to an original score of catchy music composed by lead singer-songwriter (The Feeling ) Dan Gillespie Sells and writer Tom MacRae (DoctorWho). The choreography is by the excellent Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist, Kate Prince (Into The Woods, Some Like It Hip Hop, SYLVIA, Message In A Bottle). Undoubtedly, this ‘sparkling coming-of-age musical’ will have everybody talking about Jamie for years to come.

Directed by Matt Ryan, from the original direction by Jonathan Butterell, there’s Musical Supervision by Theo Jamieson. Design is by Anna Fleischle with Lighting design by Lucy Carter. Sound design is by Paul Groothuis and Video Design by Luke Halls.

The Lowry is fast becoming the home of musicals enhanced by the return of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at The Lowry, from 7th to 17th September 2023. Give yourself a treat. For tickets visit www.thelowry.com 

 

Listing Information: The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ

Thu 7 - Sun 17 September 2023

Website: www.thelowry.com