Everything you need to know about ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ in the West End

Ahead of Everybody's Talking About Jamie returning to the West End in 2024, find out more about the hit five-time Olivier-nominated British musical.

Everybody's Talking About Jamie is an uplifting, joyful show that encourages its audiences to speak out for what they believe in. Inspired by a BBC documentary, the original musical tells of Jamie, a high schooler defying gender norms and wearing a dress to his high school prom.

The hit British musical features music from The Feeling's Dan Gillespie Sells, with lyrics and a book by Doctor Who's Tom MacRae. Break over the wall in your head and say hello to Jamie New, because he really is a "Work of Art".

Ahead of the musical returning to London in 2024, here's our complete guide to the West End production of Everybody's Talking About Jamie.

What is Everybody's Talking About Jamie about?

At the start of Everybody's Talking About Jamie, audiences meet Jamie New on his 16th birthday. He's loud, extroverted, and never one to shy away from a crowd. But, when it comes to sharing his true self, he steps away from the action. All Jamie wants is to attend his high school prom in a dress, something which definitely goes against the status quo.

Supported by his friends, family, and a shop owner, Jamie discovers a new world out there — a world filled with drag queens. Overcoming prejudices and beating the bullies, Jamie New eventually steps into the spotlight.

Is Everybody's Talking About Jamie based on a true story?

Although the musical is an original storyline, inspiration for Everybody's Talking About Jamie came from a 2011 BBC documentary. Jamie: Drag Queen at 16 follows Jamie Campbell, a British teenager who made school history and was supported by his peers.

When did Everybody's Talking About Jamie premiere?

The world premiere of Everybody's Talking About Jamie occurred at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, close to where Jamie Campbell grew up. Even though performances only ran for a fortnight, the made such an impact, that a West End transfer was imminent.

The West End premiere of Everybody's Talking About Jamie started at the Apollo Theatre on 6 Nov. 2017. The show played for four years, with a final performance on 26 Sept. 2021.

The North American premiere opened at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles from 16 January - 20 Feb. 2022.

Who wrote Everybody's Talking About Jamie?

Tom MacRae penned the Everybody's Talking About Jamie storyline and lyrics. Jamie marked MacRae's musical debut, but his notable writing credits include Doctor Who episodes starring David Tennant and Billie Piper.

The Feeling's Dan Gillespie Sells created original music. His chart-topping hits include "Fill My Little World" and "Love It When You Call".

What are the songs in Everybody's Talking About Jamie?

The Everybody's Talking About Jamie score is packed with infectious melodies, sure to earworm their way into your mind. Musical highlights include the opening number "And You Don't Even Know It" and the title song. There's emotional tearjerkers too, including "It Means Beautiful". Here's a full list of the songs in Everybody's Talking About Jamie.

Act One

"And You Don't Even Know It" - Jamie, Miss Hedge & Year 11
"And You Don't Even Know It Tag" - Jamie
"The Wall in My Head" - Jamie
"Spotlight" - Pritti & Year 11 Girls
"Spotlight (Reprise) (Star of the Show)" - Jamie & Pritti
"The Legend of Loco Chanelle (and the Blood Red Dress)" - Hugo & the Legs Eleven Girls
"The Legend of Loco Chanelle (and the Blood Red Dress)" (Reprise) - Hugo
"If I Met Myself Again" - Margaret
"Work of Art" - Miss Hedge, Jamie, Dean & Year 11
"Over the Top" - Hugo & the Legs Eleven Girls

Act Two

"Everybody's Talking About Jamie" - Year 11
"Limited Edition Prom Night Special" - Jamie, Ray & Margaret
"It Means Beautiful" - Pritti
"It Means Beautiful" (Reprise) - Pritti
"Ugly in This Ugly World" - Jamie
"He's My Boy" - Margaret
"And You Don't Even Know It" (Bus Station Reprise) - Jamie
"My Man, Your Boy" - Jamie & Margaret
"The Prom Song" - Year 11
"Finale" - Company
"Out of the Darkness (A Place Where We Belong)" - Company

Is there a movie adaptation of Everybody's Talking About Jamie?

The Everybody's Talking About Jamie musical film was released in 2021. Max Harwood stars as Jamie New, joined by Richard E. Grant as Hugo/Loco Chanelle, Sarah Lancashire, and Sharon Horgan. Find out more about the Everybody's Talking About Jamie film.

Photo credit: Noah Thomas and Melissa Jacques (Photo courtesy of Everybody's Talking About Jamie)