Everybody's Talking About Jamie - Sheffield Crucible/Apollo

I was also t the matinee yesterday - I went to the box office at 1:30 and asked if they had any day seats left, and they offered me Stalls row N for £25 which was exceptional value for money as the view was perfect. The people sat next to me had been upgraded form the Upper Circle so there must've only been 2 levels open, but you couldn't tell from the audience response which was rapturous.

The show itself was breathtaking - I found myself in tears at several times. As a young gay man, the story inevitably resonated with me, but by the looks of it the show made an emotional connection with almost everyone in the audience. The book was incredibly well-written - it was funny and heartfelt but realistic and didn't reduce its characters, particularly the teenagers, to cheap stereotypes (I'm looking at you, wonder.land). The music, though, was the most impressive aspect for me. I think it's the strongest score of a new British musical since Groundhog Day as it's modern but inventive and emotive. The set design was very nice, although I agree that the lighting could've done with a little bit more colour in Act One, and the projections were a nice touch.

The cast are phenomenal. John McCrae is a superstar in the making and owns this role, Rebecca McKinnis was heart-wrenching as Margaret and delivered 'He's My Boy' superbly, and Mina Anwar and Tamsin Carroll both nail their roles. Cherelle Jay as Pritti could've done with a little more vocal power but was nonetheless very good. I didn't think that Phil Nichol was as bad as others have said - the drag shop scene didn't drag for me but I agree that the comedy is a little hit-and-miss in his hands. By the sounds of it, not many people got the Sunset reference with his 'I'm still big' line, which I thought was hilarious. Anyway, the ensemble are energetic and work their socks off with the choreography, and it's so nice that they all bring some individuality to their roles and get their own moments in the curtain call number.

5* from me - I'll definitely be returning, and hope the cast recording is on its way soon!

The album on amazon is now listed as the concept album. Boo.

They hit 100 shows this afternoon. Still think it's pretty impressive that John McCrea still hasn't missed a single show yet

Nope, still the concept album unfortunately

I believe so.  The packaging definitely looks slightly different to the Sheffield one.  If I'd known it had the new songs on there I would have bought it.  Oh well...

EDIT:  new concept album is already on Spotify/iTunes:  

itunes.apple.com/gb/album/everybodys-talking-about-jamie-west-end-edition/1341743634

Same - the chap playing Hugo just didn't work for me. Didn't convince.

Bloody loved this today. Saw the matinee and went in totally blind -not seen the documentary or any promo, purely went on what I’d read on here.

I ADORED it. Everyone has said it, but John McCrea is a revelation as Jamie. Completely mesmerised by him every second he was on that stage. Had understudy for Margaret, Pritti and someone else I can’t remember, all of whom where great. Mina Anwar made me howl with laughter - and I didn’t expect her to have such a great voice as I only know her as a comedy actress. Tamsin Carroll does wonderful work as Miss Hedges as she does with everything I’ve seen her in.

Really enjoyed the intimacy of it in the Apollo. It was only open on two levels but audience reaction more than made up for it.

It’s the best new musical I’ve seen for a while (I’m not counting Hamilton as a new musical as I’ve known it for nearly 3 and a half years) and if it wasn’t for Hamilton, this is my best musical of the year.

Will definitely try to go back! 4.5 stars from me.

I know she’s been on at least once within the last week as she was pictured in the 100th show curtain call last Saturday. Rebecca McKinnis seems to have been on most/all week though. I think Lucie Shorthouse (Pritti) is still out too

Josie is fierce!

This weekend she was ut and 6 understudies were on and they cut the Vicki and Fatimah tracks as Courtney Bowman was on as Pritti. Chloe was on in the ensemble so not sure why she wasn't on as Pritti though it may have streamlined the tracks better.

Kirsti was on as Ray so that must have been fun, though Mina is AMAZING as Ray...

It's time to get the birthday candle out (just the one) and wish Jamie a very happy 1st birthday.

Although, strictly speaking, it had been performed in front of an audience since the 9th, the official opening night of ETAJ, at the Crucible, was on 13th February 2017.

It's been quite a year.