“Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” | Ahmanson Theatre

The North American premiere engagement of the West End musical hit “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” begins at Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre on January 16 and Continues Through February 20, 2022

PHOTO: Johan Persson | South Pasadenan News | Center (L - R) Roy Haylock as 'Hugo/Loco Chanelle' and Layton Williams as 'Jamie New' with the cast of the West End production of “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.”

Performances for “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” will begin January 16 at the Ahmanson Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. Layton Williams and Roy Haylock (Bianca Del Rio, winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”) will be reprising their roles from the West End production as Jamie and Hugo/Loco Chanelle, respectively. They are joined by Melissa Jacques as Margaret, Shobna Gulati as Ray, Gillian Ford as Miss Hedge, Hiba Elchikhe as Pritti Pasha, James Gillan as Tray Sophisticay, David O’Reilly as Laika Virgin, Leon Craig as Sandra Bollock, Richard Appiah-Sarpong as Cy, Zion Battles as Levi, Ryan Hughes as Mickey, Jodie Knight as Fatimah, Harriet Payne as Bex, Adam Taylor as Sayid and Rachel Seirian as Swing all of whom were involved in the West End production. The Los Angeles cast also features George Sampson as Dean, Cameron Johnson as Jamie’s Dad, Kazmin Borrer as Vicki, Talia Palamathanan as Becca, Simeon Beckett as Swing/Dance Captain and Emma Robotham-Hunt as Swing/Assistant Dance Captain who were in the UK touring production.

PHOTO: Johan Persson | South Pasadenan News | Layton Williams as ‘Jamie New’ in the West End production of “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.”

Inspired by a true story, winner of three WhatsOnStage Awards including Best New Musical and nominated for five Olivier Awards, this funny, fabulous musical sensation has thrilled audiences and critics alike since opening in 2017. Fresh and contemporary with an extraordinary mother and son relationship at its center, “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” celebrates acceptance, belonging, the power of unconditional love of a mother for her child and how good life is when everybody is the best they can be.

Jamie New (played by Williams) is sixteen and lives in public housing in Sheffield, England. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in, he’s terrified about the future and he’s going to be a sensation. Supported by his loving mum, inspired by local legend Hugo and his alter ego Loco Chanelle and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight. “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” features catchy songs by Dan Gillespie Sells, lead singer-songwriter of UK rock band The Feeling with book and lyrics by writer Tom MacRae.

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Director Jonathan Butterell saw the Firecracker documentary film “Jamie: Drag Queen at 16” the true story of Jamie Campbell and his mother, Margaret. This inspired him to create this musical which is a dramatized portrayal of a period in Jamie’s life but is not a faithful account. Certain events and characters have been fictionalized.

PHOTO: Johan Persson | South Pasadenan News | Roy Haylock as ‘Hugo/Loco Chanelle’ in the West End production of “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.”

Tickets for “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” are currently on sale and start at $40. They are available through CenterTheatreGroup.org, Audience Services at (213) 972-4400 or in person at the Center Theatre Group Box Office (at the Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. 90012).

Center Theatre Group requires all guests to wear a mask and provide proof of full vaccination, along with a government or education issued photo ID upon arrival. Per the guidelines set by the CDC, “full vaccination” means that at least 14 days have passed since receiving the second dose of an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. Booster shots are highly recommended and will be required in February for anyone who is eligible. Unvaccinated guests, including children or those with a medical or religious reason, must provide proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken no more than 48 hours prior to attending an indoor performance, or a negative rapid antigen test taken no more than 24 hours prior to attending an indoor performance.

Center Theatre Group will continue working closely with The Music Center and L.A. County officials to ensure they are following all applicable health and safety protocols. More information regarding safety updates as well as audience vaccination, testing and mask requirements is available at CenterTheatreGroup.org/Safety.