The joyful coming-of-age musical struts into Nottingham Arts Theatre with a bright young cast and plenty of sass
Everybody’s talking about Jamie because he’s different. Because he’s a 16-year-old boy who isn’t ashamed to say he likes boys. Because he’s a boy who sometimes likes to dress as a girl. Because when everyone else in Year 11 is pondering whether to become a doctor or a vet or a reality TV star, Jamie knows exactly what he wants. And it’s not a career as a truck driver. Jamie wants to be a drag queen.
It might sound like a fabulous modern fairytale, but Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is based on the true story of British drag artist, Jamie Campbell, a working-class kid who came out as his alter ego, Fifi la True, at his high school prom. It’s a funny, brave coming-of-age story in high heels and you can experience the highs, lows and rainbows at Nottingham Arts Theatre until Sunday 16 March.
On opening night, Esha Gidday sparkled from beginning to end as Jamie’s best mate Pritti. Mia Rathbone shone as Jamie’s single mother, Margaret New, breaking every mum’s heart with a beautiful performance of My Boy. And for Preston Nash, the lead role of Jamie was clearly a dream come true. He had some big shoes to fill but was funny and fearless until his final note.
We were uplifted by the group numbers, blown away by the girl’s voices, jealous of the boy’s legs (shout out Laika Virgin, Tray Sophisticay and Sandra Bollock) and every witty one liner got the laugh it deserved.
It’s a show that reminds us how aspiration and optimism can be snuffed out by fear and self-doubt. How even in 2025 it takes courage to be different. How family, friends, love and kindness grow us into the queens we’re meant to be.
Team Jamie and Team Mimi perform Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Nottingham Arts Theatre from Weds 12 - Sunday 16 March.
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