In a bold and brilliant move to celebrate their 75th anniversary, Blackpool & Fylde Light Opera Company (BFLOC) brought Everybody’s Talking About Jamie to the Grand Theatre—and what a celebration it was. This amateur production proved that local theatre can deliver just as much heart, polish, and power as the West End, especially when powered by an immensely talented cast of teenagers and young adults.
At the heart of the story is 16-year-old Jamie New, a Sheffield schoolboy with drag queen dreams and the courage to chase them. Playing Jamie was Seb Holbert, a NODA award-winning young performer whose charisma, emotional depth, and vocal control lit up the stage. Holbert captured both Jamie’s flamboyant confidence and his inner vulnerability with remarkable maturity for such a young actor. His performance felt authentic and grounded, drawing us into Jamie’s journey from confusion to unapologetic self-acceptance. His performance was stellar and you can see why he is made for the stage.
Equally powerful was Ameerah Loup Devere as Pritti Pasha, Jamie’s brainy and quietly courageous best friend. Devere’s rendition of “It Means Beautiful” was a show highlight, sung with clarity and feeling beyond her years. Their on-stage chemistry brought real warmth and believability to the heart of the story.
Lisa Brennand portrayed Jamie’s devoted mother, Margaret, with emotional nuance. Her solo “He’s My Boy” was delivered with palpable sincerity and proved to be one of the most moving moments of the evening. Brennand balanced tenderness and strength with ease, portraying a mother fighting for her son in a world that often misunderstands him.
What makes this production truly special is the ensemble—a dynamic, mostly teen cast who brought energy, precision, and passion to every scene. From the vibrant schoolroom interactions to the high-octane dance routines, the young cast never missed a beat. The show also cleverly incorporated stylized lighting, some creative ‘chairography’ and seamless scene changes that were all handled impressively by the cast and a crew of volunteers and aspiring creatives.
A key element in driving the energy and emotional impact of the show was the live band, who delivered Dan Gillespie Sells’ catchy, emotional score with flair and sensitivity. Seamlessly accompanying everything from upbeat pop numbers to heartfelt ballads, the band never overpowered the vocals. Their timing and musicianship complimented the professionalism of the entire production.
A true testament to the cast’s professionalism came during an unexpected mid-performance show stop. With a technical hiccup halting the show for several minutes, the cast and crew remained composed and focused, seamlessly resuming without losing momentum. This level of calm under pressure is rarely seen in professional productions—let alone in amateur theatre—and the audience responded with heartfelt applause.
The director, choreographer, and production teams deserve praise for trusting young performers with such challenging material. BFLOC’s commitment to nurturing rising stars is evident, and if this production is anything to go by, many of these performers have a bright future—perhaps even West End-bound.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Blackpool Grand was more than just a musical—it was a showcase of young talent, a celebration of identity, and a joyful reminder of what community theatre can achieve. With this production, BFLOC not only honoured their history but also lit the path for the next generation of theatrical stars.
The show is currently running until the 31st May 2025 and tickets are selling fast but can be found here: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – Blackpool Grand Theatre
Reviewer: Abigail Pendlebury
Reviewed: 28th May 2025
North West End UK Rating: