Everybody's Talking About Jamie

Such fun! When his school careers department identifies 16 year old Jamie as perfect for a job driving forklift trucks, you know you're in for a treat. Jamie, from County Durham, has an unusual ambition: all he wants to be is a famous drag queen. This fabulous musical is inspired by the true-life story of Jamie as revealed in a BBC3 documentary during 2011, a boy who's openly gay, more than able to defend himself against the school bully and his henchmen.

John McCrea makes a brilliant job of the role of Jamie - who sees himself as a butterfly trying to break free from its chrysalis – delivering a masterful performance. The show tunes and associated album are proper crowd pleasers. They'll have you singing in your seats. The retired drag queen Hugo, played by Charles Dale, helps make Jamie's life bearable, as do his close friends. Jamie's father, on the other hand, does not approve, which adds balance. The lyrics and book are by the respected screenwriter and author Tom MacRae. The music comes from Dan Gillespie Sells, member of the chart topping band the Feeling, and the overall result is both touching and funny, a joyful production that blends robust humour with fine sensitivity. Definitely one for your diary!