Musical Youth Company of Oxford returns to Oxford Playhouse with Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Oxford Playhouse is delighted to welcome back the celebrated and award-winning Musical Youth Company of Oxford (MYCO) for their inspiring production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
Following their recent successes of Chess, Me & My Girl, and Legally Blonde at The Playhouse, the company of 50 local young people now brings their own energetic twist to this WhatsOnStage and Olivier Award-winning musical. It will play on the Oxford stage from Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 April.
Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. He doesn’t quite fit in – but he knows who he wants to be. Jamie dreams of becoming a drag queen and wearing a dress to his school prom. With the support of his loving mum and loyal friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, defies bullies, and steps into the spotlight.
Inspired by the documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16, the stage production first premiered in Sheffield before transferring to the West End, where it enjoyed a record-breaking three-year run. In 2021, the story was adapted into an award-winning film.
With a stellar screenplay written by Tom MacRae (Dr Who) and an original score of catchy pop tunes by the lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells, the smash-hit musical tells a story of community, parenting, friendship and embracing your true self.
In MYCO’s production, Jamie New is played by Caleb Gill, who has previously been part of the Oxford Playhouse Panto Young Company, performing in Robin Hood, Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk.
Guy Brigg, Director and Designer, says: ‘When I first found out that the rights had been released to stage Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, I knew it would be a brilliant choice for our vibrant young company. The fact that the show is based on the true story of Jamie Campbell has made it even more appealing from a directorial perspective.’
Hetty Hughes who plays Jamie’s teacher, Miss Hedges, says: ‘The audience will absolutely love this show, mainly because of the important messages that it tells throughout. It shows the importance of laughter and joy in your life. It presents the struggles of being gay or different in a society which may not always be accepting. It demonstrates the importance of standing up for yourself, even if there are consequences. Most importantly, it shows the importance of surrounding yourself with the people that make life seem that little more magical!’
Hannah Peel who plays Jamie’s mum, Margaret, says: ‘Margaret embodies both strength and vulnerability. Mastering this has been a challenge, but I have thoroughly enjoyed unpacking the complexities of the character.’
Tickets for MYCO’s Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Oxford Playhouse start from £14 and are available at the Box Office on 01865 305305 or to book online at www.oxfordplayhouse.com