I moved to Southsea the year this show was created in my home city of Sheffield. I never got to experience the excitement around it, but I heard it was a great show.
Having such a success, this production landed in the West End and won awards along the way. I thought I might see it there, but I never did, so when I saw the poster go up at the Kings Theatre, I thought it’s now or never!
Last night was the first night of this incredible performance and you couldn’t tell. The professionalism of the entire cast and crew showed from start to finish. All I can say is if you can, you must see this show! It is the best show I have ever seen! Check here for tickets. The show is only on in Portsmouth until Saturday the 11th May.
The Background
Coming from South Yorkshire, I knew this was going to pull at my heartstrings but I wasn’t prepared for the humour. It was so funny, emotional and powerful.
The story of this smash hit musical is a genuine true account of Jamie Campbell and how he wanted to be a drag queen in year 11 and felt he wanted to attend his prom wearing a dress. The script follows Jamie on his journey and the relationships around him like his mum who clearly adores him, and his auntie who isn’t really his auntie (we all know one of those!). Played by Sejal Keshwala, the character of Ray is hilarious and swears like a trooper but she also stands for that loyal person that has integrity in a family and tends to keep it bonded together through love and friendship.
What I love is if you buy the programme, you get a great insight into the real Jamie and an insight from his mum Margaret. You also see photos of them both and I find that endearing. It makes the whole experience of going a valuable one because the production comes from a place of love, truth and bravery.
Being northern, I laughed at the sayings, dialect and references to the city that some might not get, but it added to the way this setting was based in a Northern city. Sitting in the dress circle, it made me think of my family and life back in South Yorkshire.
The Cast and Set
Usually, I go to a show and love many things about the production, but I rarely exit the building thinking just how good everything is. The set design was very clever. It rotated around from being Jamie’s home to school. I loved how the windows of the building had huge projections that brought the stage to life even more. Especially at the end of Act 1 where Jamie was all dressed up and just shone across the stage.
From the colour and sequins that shimmered onstage, to the choreography, this show manages to make everything look effortless. It runs ultra smoothly and I love the way the characters helped to move the set around and everything flowed well. The cast all sang amazingly. Standouts as far as singing goes for me were Jamie’s mum Margaret, played by Rebecca Mckinnis. Her voice was so good and amongst a storyline with great humour, she managed to make the audience sit very still to hear her sing ‘He’s My Boy’. It was an impeccable performance and a highlight of the show for me. Ending a powerful scene of a mother’s love for her son, brought me to tears.
My other singing highlights were hearing Jamie, played by Ivano Turco. He really grabbed the audience with his voice and you felt his soul demand your attention. Lots of people know that Kevin Clifton can dance, but his singing voice was so good and he brought his part of Hugo/ Loco Chanelle alive with real depth and charisma.
The script, writing and casting of this musical is just perfect and I think anyone of any age would love it and walk out feeling uplifted. With the comedy trio of Legs Eleven Drag Queens and a name like Sandra Bollock, you will be laughing so much during this show!
Conclusion
You can understand why this show grabbed people’s hearts and made it to the West End in such a short space of time to then have a record-breaking three-year residency. Because it is that good. From a 3 week run at the Crucible in Sheffield to becoming a sold-out UK tour, the way it has you laughing and crying and then feeling uplifted and wanting more, you will be happy you got the chance to see this production. So really all there is left to say is GO SEE IT!
