The film based on the hit West End musical is set to be released in 2021. Now that a trailer has been released for the film, Emma Clarendon shares a few thoughts…
It would be fair to say that during these difficult times, we all need something to give us a bit of hope and joy – which is why the timing of the release of this trailer couldn’t be better. Particularly if you have seen and loved the stage production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
Prior to being transformed into a stage show, the story behind the musical was based on Jamie Campbell’s story of not being able to turn up to his secondary prom in drag, which then led to a BBC documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16. It is no wonder it was transformed into a musical – given that themes of acceptance, love, friendship as well as overcoming prejudice are ones that have really taken on new meaning in recent months.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie follows the story of Jamie New – a teenager who dreams of becoming a drag queen and having to overcome the prejudice from those in his school as well as dealing with an unsupportive father to become who he wants to be.
Directed by Jonathan Butterell, the film is set to star Max Harwood as Jamie, Lauren Patel as Jamie’s best friend Pritti with both actors making their film debuts. Other cast members include Richard E.Grant as Hugo, whose alias is the drag queen Loco Chanelle, Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe, Military Wives) as Jamie’s teacher Miss Hedge and Shobna Gulati (Coronation Street, Loose Women) as Ray.
Judging from this trailer, the film looks set to be filled with sheer joy as well as retaining the inspirational nature of the story with great warmth and humour.
It is never easy to try and recapture the magic of a stage show on film, but it seems to be a natural and feel-good British film that will ensure the popularity of the musical will continue – helped of course by the solid cast that are involved.
As of yet, I have not managed to see the stage production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie but I will certainly will make the effort to when it does come back to the Apollo Theatre in November. On the basis of this film trailer – it certainly seems to be a story gives us much needed hope.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will head to cinema screens from next year.