Preview: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Layton Williams and Shane Richie to Star in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Monday 30 March – Saturday 4 April 2020

Casting has been announced for the smash-hit, critically acclaimed West End Musical, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Inspired by the sensational Jamie Campbell (‘Drag Queen at 16’) from County Durham, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie makes its regional debut at Newcastle Theatre Royal as part of its first UK tour.

Reprising their roles from the West End production will be Layton Williams (Bad Education, Billy Elliot the Musical) who will star as Jamie New and Shane Richie (EastEnders) as Hugo / Loco Chanelle.

Layton Williams (Jamie) in
Everybody's Talking About Jamie
Photo: Johan Perrson.

Layton Williams is one of the most exciting talents in UK theatre. He has been playing Jamie New in the West End production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie since January 2019. Layton recently performed as Angel in the UK Tour of much-loved musical Rent, for which he received great reviews and in the Sheffield Crucible production of Kiss Me, Kate.

On screen Layton is known for playing the character Kylie in the BBC’s Beautiful People, and for playing the lead alongside Jack Whitehall in the critically acclaimed BBC comedy Bad Education and follow up film.

Layton began his career as one of the boys who played the title role in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical. He then went on to star as the original Young Michael Jackson in Thriller. Further theatre credits include the role of Seaweed in Hairspray and the touring production of Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man.

Layton is an anti-bullying and LGBTQ+ activist and said: “I’ve loved my time in the West End but am beyond excited to be playing Jamie on tour! This will be my 6th tour and I can’t wait to come back to some of my favourite venues with this beautiful show. I hope you’ll welcome me back with open arms as we share this beautiful story and spread love across the U.K! See you’s soon...”

Shane Richie - best known for his role as Alfie Moon in the BBC’s EastEnders - has had a hugely successful career in theatre, film and television spanning four decades and is a regular fixture on primetime television.

Shane Riche (Hugo) in
Everybody's Talking About Jamie
Photo: Johan Perrson.

On stage Shane has starred in Grease (West End), One Flew over The Cuckoo’s Nest (UK Tour), Scrooge: The Musical (UK Tour), Lone Star and Private Wars (Kings Head Theatre). He also played the leads in Peter James’ The Perfect Murder and Not Dead Enough. Shane co-wrote and co-produced the UK tour of Boogie Nights. Film roles include Macbeth (CH4), The Reverend (Burn Hand Film), Prisoners of the Sun (Miromar Entertainment) and Flushed Away (Dreamworks Animation).

Shane Richie said: “I had such a fantastic time playing Hugo/Loco Chanelle in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in the West End, so when I was offered the chance to be involved in the touring production I jumped at the opportunity to get back into those heels! I believe this show has such an important message for younger and older generations I’m excited to be taking it to a larger audience around the UK.”

Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation. Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight. With catchy songs by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells, and book and lyrics by writer Tom MacRae, this funny, fabulous, feel-good, musical sensation has been wowing audiences and critics alike.

Tickets:

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is at Newcastle Theatre Royal Monday 30 March - Saturday 4 April 2020 playing evenings at 7.30pm and matinees on Thurs at 2pm and Sat at 2.30pm.  Tickets from £16.50 can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk