If you’ve been lucky enough to catch Everybody’s Talking About Jamie on the stage, you’ll know that the big-screen adaptation should – all things going well – be an absolute blast, a major movie-musical with wit, joy, sass, and sincere emotion to (high-heeled) boot. The show, which adapts the real-life story of Jamie Campbell who as a teenager faced resistance for turning up to his school prom in a dress (as captured in BBC Three documentary Jamie: Drag Queen At 16), is a buoyant tale of aspiring drag queen Jamie New, following his first steps into becoming a drag performer in Sheffield. And while his loving mother supports him every step of the way, it’s clear his absent father and his school don’t approve. Watch the trailer here.
The film adaptation reunites the core creative trio of director Jonathan Butterell, writer Tom MacRae and musician Dan Gillespie Sells – and it looks to be a faithful take on the stage show, with added cinematic flourishes. And one of the biggest draws here is Richard E Grant donning a wig and heels to play fearsome seasoned queen Loco Chanel, who becomes mentor to Jamie (played by newcomer Max Harwood) as he develops his drag identity. Beyond REG, there’s a stellar cast here – including Sarah Lancashire as Jamie’s mum, Ralph Ineson as his father, and Sharon Horgan as his teacher. Expect a mixture of sequinned glamour, gritty emotion – and a soundtrack full of pop bangers and heartbreaking ballads.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is expected to hit UK cinemas on 26 February – sure to bring some much-needed sparkle to the winter months.