Everybody's Talking about Jamie - Apollo Theatre, 2018

When you hear the term ‘feel-good’ used to describe a musical, what musical does it make you think of? Mamma Mia? Or perhaps Annie? What about Hairspray? Well, it might be time to add Everybody’s talking about Jamie to that list.

Based on BBC3’s 2014 documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16, this relatable portrayal of being different in an unaccepting world is equal parts poignant and hilarious.

John McRea stars as Jamie New, who, after being gifted a pair of sky scraping red stilettos by his doting single mother (Josie Walker) on his 16th birthday, decides that he is going to attend his school leavers prom in full drag, embracing his drag alter ego, Mimi Me - much to the dismay of his teacher, Miss Hedge (Tamsin Carroll). What follows is a rollercoaster uplifting hilarity, bound to bring a smile to the grumpiest of faces.

With music written by The Feeling’s front man Dan Gillespie Sells and lyrics by Tom Macrae, this serotonin boosting production would be particularly enjoyed by anyone who has struggled to fit in in their surroundings - but there really is something within this show for everybody,

Choreography was led by Kate Prince, and directed by Johnathan Butterell, together they create a youthful energy that fills the stage and fits perfectly with the themes of the show, even the most impassive of viewers will have to fight the urge to at least tap a foot.

The music is catchy, fun and refreshingly new, written to perfectly explain the story which resonates with LGBTQ+ people globally.

The only criticism I have of the piece is Anna Fleischle’s set design. While her costuming is perfect - bright school uniforms and fabulous drag attire - the set is reminiscent of a touring set. The show has a permanent home in the West Ends Apollo Theatre, but the set feels very temporary, ready to be packed away and moved at a moment's notice. However, audiences and critics alike seem to be in awe of the light-hearted and thoroughly original piece, so Jamie doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.