I went to see the live musical everybody’s talking about at Birmingham Hippodrome - here’s my verdict

It’s back to school at the Birmingham Hippodrome this week as young Jamie and his 2022 classmates from Mayfield are in town to celebrate being Prom-tastic!

And there’s an extra special reason for this particular end of school party to be a showstopper due to the utterly fabulous ambition of our hero Jamie to become a teenage drag queen.

Based on the true story of Jamie Campbell from Durham who stunned TV audiences in a documentary in 2011 - called Jamie: Drag Queen at 16 - this live theatre show brings an extraordinary story to dazzling new heights.

From the moment the cast burst onto the stage the audience were captivated with the charming classroom banter between the pupils and with Miss Hedge their teacher - played  by Hayley Tamaddon who has starred in Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

The star of the show is definitely the wonderful Jamie who glittered on stage with his teenager vulnerability amid his delightful excitement as he reached out for his drag queen dreams.

West End star Ivano Turco played the part to a tee with his fabulous hair, endearing smile and astonishing strut! He’s appeared on Strictly and in a host of theatre shows, winning Berst Male Actor in a Musical for ALW’s Cinderella previously.

His mum - Margaret New played by Rebecca McKinnis whose acting credits include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Film - stirred emotions as she rallied round her beloved son and did her best to protect him from people who wouldn’t understand his individualism, sadly including Jame’s father.

Her best pal Ray - played by Shobna Gulati who was previously on Corrie - complemented the show’s authenticity, striking a chord with us everyday folk, and adding to the humour.

It’s the friendships in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie that really make the musical so special and we can’t finish a review without mentioning the beautiful relationship between Jamie and his best school pal Pritti Pasha - played by Talia Palamathanan who was in the film version of Everybody’s Talking about Jamie). The pair were adorable as they supported one another navigating the ups and downs on their teenage journey to adulthood.

Drag queens Loco Chanelle, Sandra Bollock, Laika Virgin and Tray Sophisticay also add to the humour and all round fabulousness of the show. If you’ve got tickets, you’re in for a real treat. And if you haven’t bought any yet, then you’re in luck! Everybody’s Talking About Jamie as at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday (October 14). For more info go to: Birmingham Hippodrome Everybody’s Talking About Jamie