Everybody's talking about Jamie at The Lowry

Off to The Lowry to see the musical stage play inspired by the documentary ‘Jamie - Drag Queen at 16’. Lots of excitement and a packed house too. So much glamour on show, people watching in the bar was a show in itself!

This was a story of difference, acceptance, prejudice, love of family and friends, self expression and heartbreak and joy in everyday life.

 The story was vibrant with modern life references, it had hugely funny, sharply perceptive dialogue, cheeky vivid characters, ( Ray and Priti my favourites and the school friends were fantastic ) polished dance sequences ( one reminded me of a West Side Story piece ) Loved the energy after so long without theatre. Was dying to dance! Live orchestra was a real treat.

The music was superb, Jamie’s Mum had a beauty of a solo with He’s My Boy which left the audience rapt and her wistful piece about giving her younger self advice, If I Met Myself Again was so touching and beautiful it was breathtaking. There was everything from dance music to classical style. Stage design was impressively clever.

Really did laugh and cry all the way through. Shane Ritchie as Hugo/Loco Chanelle was so good and the other drag queens were wonderful. Wigs makeup and wardrobe did a superb job. Layton Williams is a star in every sense of the word,

It was colourful, loud, boisterous and tender. We didn’t want it to end. Go see it!!

A very unexpected pleasure was being sat directly behind Jamie and his Mum Margaret in the audience and join them in the standing ovation at the end. Perfect.

Thank you to The Lowry and all staff for a safe and hugely fun evening.

Christine ince for Canal St Online.

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Published: 6-Sep-2021 (6348)