EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE
Apollo Theatre, London everybodystalkingaboutjamie.co.uk
Why is everybody going on about a teenage drag queen? This musical is based on the true-life story of schoolboy Jamie Campbell who wanted to go to his school dance in a dress, and it beams and bursts with universal themes of hope and happiness, family and love.
Newcomer Noah Thomas brings a beautiful, believable naivety and fragility under the fireworks.
He makes us relate and root for Jamie, matched by Melissa Jacques as protective mum Jackie.
Yes, I loved the sensational fingerclicking, wig-tossing celebratory numbers but Jamie’s It Means Beautiful had me welling up, and I couldn’t make it through Jackie’s power ballad He’s My Boy without a quiet sob.
Dan Gillespie Sells’s irresistible pop score is matched by a brilliant cast which, from January, includes Shane Richie. This show rocks a huge heart in fabulous heels. Don’t just talk about it, go and see it.
SIX
Lyric Theatre, London sixthemusical.com, until April 18 Full disclosure: I’d give this ridiculously fun musical six stars if I could.
Henry VIII’s wives compete in a divatastic showdown to see who was treated worst by their infamous hubby, inciting us to find our own inner queens. Smart, sassy lyrics and catchy tunes blow your socks (and crowns) off.
NORDOFF ROBBINS CHRISTMAS CONCERT
carols.nordoff-robbins.org.uk
Streaming live from 7pm, this star-studded fundraiser for music therapy features performances from Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams, Robert Plant, Cliff Richard, Simple Minds and Mica Paris, plus seasonal readings by Bill Nighy, Lily James, Kwame Kwei-Armah and Freddie Fox.
‘Tis the season to be jolly – and generous.