When you live "up north" as I do, and you love theatre as much as I do, getting to see a show isn't always easy. The West End is a bit too far away to just pop out to see a show.
I do have Manchester and Liverpool about half an hour away from me, so I am lucky that I can see touring shows, but the London-only shows are another story. To see a West End show I am looking at extortionate train fares plus parking, plus tube fare, plus show tickets.. It's just, basically, unaffordable. (Hamilton bankrupted me... But of course it was worth it!)
And so, generally, I have to wait for shows to tour....which can often mean waiting a fair few years! Years!! It's just not fair...
Which is why I LOVED it when I found out that a live show of Everybody's Talking About Jamie was going to be shown at my local cinema. And it cost less than £15 to go. Result.
So, what did I think of the show?
"Jamie" is the story of a 16 year old Sheffield lad, Jamie New, whose dream is to become a drag queen. He meets a brilliant mentor Hugo and with the help of him, his amazing mum and amazing friend Pritti, he faces down the bullies and the demons and achieves his dream.
I absolutely loved it. It is a special story for me because I am a mum to a 16 year old lad called Jamie (although that's where the similarity ends (as far as I know...!)). I adored the exploration of the relationship of Jamie with his mum as he is on the cusp of adulthood, and how she would do anything to make him happy and as she realises he's growing up and becoming a man.. And I sobbed! A lot.
Fabulous performances by John McCrea and Josie walker.
The music was brilliant. From the opening number, a fantastic ensemble piece with Jamie and his class mates it was obvious I was going to love it. Getting that soundtrack.
And the story (based of the true story of the wonderful Jamie Campbell) is charming and fabulous and brilliant. I was drawn in from the start and sad when it was over.
In terms of seeing a musical at the cinema its not quite the same as actually being at the show. You do lose some of the atmosphere that you get with live theatre. But as a, second best option, it's great. You still get to learn the story, put the songs in context and experience what the show is about. That said, I now desperately want to travel to London and see "Jamie" for myself.
I wish more West End shows would follow "Jamie" 's lead and put on cinema broadcasts of a live show. (I am looking at you Hamilton, Waitress, Heathers and DEH (when you open) ...)
It is a great way of making musical theatre more accessible and affordable for all. You might argue that it would lead to fewer sales in the West End but if anything my experience has made me want to see the live show even more. It has served as a "taster ", and I am sure that others will feel the same.
Overall, Everybody's Talking About Jamie, and for very good reason. It's amazing.
