If you’re looking for a feel-good, toe-tapping night out with heart, MYCO’s Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is well worth talking about.
Musical Youth Company of Oxford (MYCO) has once again lived up to its reputation with a vibrant, heartfelt, and thoroughly entertaining production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. With slick choreography, infectious energy, and a cast full of talent, this was a classic MYCO show—confident, youthful, and bursting with passion.
From the moment the curtain rose, the energy from the ensemble was electric. Catie Marie Simpson’s choreography was outstanding: sharp, dynamic, and impressively precise for such a large youth cast. The group numbers were a joy to watch—full of movement, colour, and sound—with ensemble vocals that brought real vitality to Dan Gillespie Sells’ catchy pop score.
At the centre of it all was Caleb Gill as Jamie. He balanced the bold sass and sparkle of a would-be drag queen with the uncertainty of a teenager trying to find his place in the world. His performance was charismatic and touching, bringing real emotional depth to the role. Hannah Peel delivered a moving portrayal of Jamie’s mother, Margaret, full of quiet warmth and maternal strength, especially in her tender solo moments. Giacomo Ruffmann wowed as protective Hugo and his glamorous alter ego Loco Chanelle, bringing both wisdom and campy flair to the stage. His performance had just the right mix of grit, heart, and fabulousness, making his scenes some of the most memorable of the night.
However, the standout for me was Chanice Whealy as Pritti. Her clear, strong vocals and calm strength gave the character real presence. She embodied the best-friend role perfectly, offering both support and inspiration without ever fading into the background.
The band, led by Ali Kane, played with real flair, driving the show forward with pace and energy. However, at times the balance between the band and the cast was off, especially during ensemble numbers where lyrics were lost. Mic issues on opening night didn’t help, but hopefully these are quickly resolved in future performances.
A few elements slowed the pace: set changes were often clunky, relying heavily on blackouts and stage crew rather than cast-led transitions, which added time to an already lengthy show. And while the raised stage was used effectively in places, from my seat near the front of the stalls, action taking place upstage was often obscured during full-cast scenes.
Still, the spirit and sheer commitment of the cast made this a joyous celebration of identity, community, and courage. If you’re looking for a feel-good, toe-tapping night out with heart, MYCO’s Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is well worth talking about.