You should have been there. You should have seen it! You won't believe the things we saw that went down at the Mayflower Theatre when the absolutely spectacular cast of Everybody's Talking About Jamie took to the stage. 

I last saw Everybody's Talking About Jamie just before the first lockdown in London and it absolutely blew me away. The cast the musicality and the performance itself. As soon as I knew it was going on tour and would be visiting Southampton, I knew that I had to be there. And luckily for me, Scott surprised me with some tickets for Christmas. 

Everybody's Talking About Jamie is a musical somewhat based on the true story of Jamie New. A sixteen year old boy who longs to be a drag queen. But growing up in Sheffield isn't the easiest of places for a young drag queen and Jamie faces discrimination from his peers for wanting to be different. Throughout the show you are introduced to some brilliant characters that help Jamie become the star he should be and follow Jamie as he understands not only himself, but his relationships with his friends and parents. 

The show is filled with songs that will send you on a rollercoaster of emotions. From dancing in your seat when Jamie takes to the stage at a drag show, to crying when Jamie's Mum Margaret pours her heart out on stage. Each song slots together perfectly to create a song list that is as diverse and inclusive as the show and cast itself. With striking dance numbers and drag queens galore, what more could you wish for!

Layton Williams takes to stage as Jamie New and absolutely embodied the character through and through. From the high kick energy, to the vulnerable teenager, Layton really nailed his performance and had the audience on their feet as Jamie came out of the darkness and into the spotlight. Bianca Del Rio/Roy Haylock took off their Drag Race crown and put on an iconic red wig as they took to the stage as Loco Chanelle, the washed up drag queen that helps Jamie find his spark on stage. Their performance was both hilarious and sincere and it felt like the role was written for them. 

Amy Ellen Richardson portrayed Jamie's mum Margaret with such compassion and warmth that it truly brought a tear to my eye, whilst Shobna Gulati had me in fits of laughter as Margaret's loud, proud (and slightly in your face) best mate Ray. The supporting cast were incredible and really worked seamlessly on stage to bring this amazing story to life. 

Everybody's Talking About Jamie is a British look at acceptance and individuality. It's a show about learning to love yourself and how being true to you can't please everyone. It's a show that is in your face, honest and unashamed at being shocking at times too. It's flamboyant and brilliant and a show that everyone needs to see. You'll leave the theatre with a smile on your face and a spring in your step. You won't just be talking about Jamie, you'll be singing and shouting about him from the rooftops. 

Everybody's Talking About Jamie is on at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton until the 8th January 2022 before continuing on a UK tour. Tickets are almost sold out at the Mayflower, but if you can grab yourself a ticket you won't regret it!