The things that I didn’t enjoy about Everybody’s Talking About Jamie were not things the cast or production could have helped - it just wasn't my cup of tea. However, I’m sure that for many members of the refreshingly young audience, the show held revolutionary power.
Personally, I find the whole “isn’t it funny that a middle-aged teacher is doing a rap” thing embarrassing, and interpretive dance makes me want to find the nearest emergency exit. But I have to congratulate this cast on doing impeccably with a script in which fundamentally not very much happens.
The cast were all very likeable, particularly our lead Ivano Turco. It was also refreshing to watch genuinely young performers playing the Year 11 class.
Sadly, last night the mic levels were too low for the male soloists, making their lyrics incomprehensible. Not being able to hear what was being sung made me lose interest and I did spend a large amount of time watching a lady sat next to me trying to discreetly break into a Toblerone instead. The issue with the mic levels also meant that some punchlines by members of the Year 11 class were inaudible. I truly believe that, as with foreign language operas, musicals should have surtitles.
The vocal performances of John Patridge, Talia Palamathanan, and Rebecca McKinnis were wonderful. Sadly, all I could think while watching them sing was how much I’d like to be watching them sing in something else. Shobna Gulati was a true professional who commanded the stage in every scene she was in.
The set design was sleek and satisfying, which elevated the sometimes sparse staging of group dance numbers.
I was in secondary school when the real Jamie New went to his prom in a dress, which is perhaps why I felt that this show is a little dated. But I do believe that for those currently in school watching this, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie could be a pivotal moment.
Verity Babbs is the host of Voice FM's 'Arts & Culture Show' on Wednesdays at 2PM
www.veritybabbs.com
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