Without hesitation and from the outset there is no question that Everybody's Talking About Jamie is an exceptional show. The key initial reason for this is that it has a stunning collection of songs, and what better requirement for a musical? It sets the benchmark high from the very beginning number and never drops in standard. Dan Gillespie Sells songs from start to finish are pure magic, be that a proud anthem (And You Don't Even Know It), a pure pop one (Work of Art) or a stunning, emotional powerhouse (He's My Boy), for a relatively new musical the collection is incredible. These are complimented with some brilliant lyrics by Tom MacRae and Jonathan Butterill and their genuinely funny and heartwarming book.
With a good show comes the requirement for an excellent cast to deliver it and this new UK Tour has an exceptional one. Jamie New himself is played with genuine love and drive by Ivano Turco. He does at times have such a softness of delivery that he can occasionally be difficult to hear and this does translate to some of the big numbers where he can be overshadowed by the music or fellow singers. However, it does sit well with the character as well and his early development comes through as he builds confidence. No question though, it is an amazing performance holding the show together throughout and commanding the stage.
As Hugo AKA Loco Chanelle, Kevin Clifton is quite a revelation. Quite a departure from his cheeky clean-cut image from Strictly Comes Dancing, his swaggering sweary performance here comes as an initial shock. While you could quibble that he is far too young for the role, he still nails both the character and singing numbers, including a very good performance of the immensely fun The Legend of Loco Chanelle.
Kate Prince's choreography is visually striking from up-to-date-in-your-face dance routines to sublime contemporary, every number has its own visual style offering great depth to the show. Designer Anna Fleischle has also created a sharp set with swift stylish set changes offering no delay to the show which director Matt Ryan keeps moving with flair.
Everybody's Talking About Jamie is simply a beautiful, captivating show, one of the very best of new musical offerings and deserves all the success it continues to have.
Joyous and uplifting, everybody should be talking about Jamie.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
