‘Out of the darkness, into the spotlight, a teenage sensation is coming …’
A coming-of-age story with a twist, with catchy new songs by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling Dan Gillespie Sells and writer Tom MacRae, this brand new musical will have everybody talking about Jamie for years to come.
We asked the dapper and thoroughly charming Dan Gillespie Sells about Jamie, the future of The Feeling and his thoughts on Donald Trump …
The show is based on ‘Jamie: Drag Queen at 16 ‘ the BBC3 documentary about a teenager in the north east. How much of the show is biographical and based on the real character?
That’s right, we were inspired by the documentary. The basic story is the same but for a full scale stage show we needed to create more. We needed to introduce new characters and show the world of the school, which didn’t appear in the original documentary.
And why the decision to open the show and base the story in Sheffield instead of Tyneside?
The Director of the show Jonathan Butterell brought this idea to Tom and myself. He is a Sheffield lad and wanted to do a piece specifically about and for Sheffield. We are delighted to be at the Crucible, a theatre with such a wonderful reputation.
What can the audience expect from ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’?
Something unexpected and joyful.
Your previous forays into theatre, ‘The Bad, The Sad & The Broken Hearted’ and ‘3 With D’ (part of ‘Men in Motion’), were both one night shows – how do you feel about going from those experiences to writing a whole musical that has an initial run of 19 shows?
This is a much bigger undertaking than pretty much anything I have done before but it is also the first project I have done where I don’t perform myself. It is nice to see these amazing performers do their work and bring our ideas to life.
How long has it taken from the idea of a musical for it to all come about?
Around 3 years from the initial idea to being staged.
Were you involved in the casting process at all ?
Completely. We needed very specific kinds of singers for this score.
So will there be a soundtrack of the show available?
The ‘concept’ album that accompanies the show will be available on CD at the theatre and also on iTunes at some point!
Last year’s The Feeling tour was signalled as a hiatus for the group until at least 2018. Is that the case or can we expect to hear more from the group before then?
We felt we needed to have a break after 10 years of solid touring. 2018 will come round pretty quickly!
What do the rest of the band think about your new direction?
They have been very supportive and they have all helped loads with the project in different ways.
I’m very grateful to them all.
Your ideal scenario for the play once the run finishes in Sheffield?
I want as many people to get a chance to see it as possible. That’s all.
Any thoughts of treading the boards yourself or are you firmly staying on the creatives’ side?
One day, maybe.
Other than ‘Jamie’ do you have any other favourite musicals?
West Side Story
Cabaret
Little Shop of Horrors
And finally, what with his outspoken views, any thoughts on the new US president?
I’m horrified, obviously.
I wish I could do more about it but at least we get to create a piece of theatre that speaks back to bigotry.
It’s not enough but it’s something.
Many thanks to Dan for sparing the time to talk to us. Break a leg with the show and we look forward to seeing it soon.
Listing
9 – 25 February 2017
For tickets and additional information about signed and captioned performances please click on the logo below
After a critically acclaimed launch at the end of 2016, Dragonflies Theatre’s new production returns in 2017, exploring HIV amongst gay men through a series of interwoven stories. Writer Patrick Cash and director Luke Davies continue their work, including show The Clinic and The Chemsex Monologues, in bringing important queer stories to the UK stage with The HIV Monologues, which stars inspiration for the film Pride and one of the first people to diagnosed with HIV in the UK Jonathan Blake.
Alex knows nothing about HIV but knew he should have worn the power bottom singlet. Nick is his Tinder date who’s just been diagnosed positive, struggling with self-worth. Their date is going amazingly until Nick discloses his diagnosis… And Alex reacts in the worst way. Through meeting Irene, an Irish nurse who treated AIDS in the 1980s, and Barney, who was saved by the 1996 medication, Alex gets on PrEP, but will he be able to win Nick back?
Post-show, the company have arranged a series of talks with high-profile specialists on HIV and queer theatre, including: international chemsex expert and gay men’s wellbeing promoter David Stuart; playwrights Alexis Gregory (Safe) and Peter Darney (5 Guys Chillin’); Chief Executive of GMFA Ian Howley, leading HIV expert Professor Jane Anderson; Service Development Manager for THT Justin Harbottle; Executive Director at NAM aidsmap Matthew Hodson; lead HIV consultant for 56 Dean Street Dr Alan Mcowan; curator of Naked Boys Reading and academic Dr Justin Hunt; Lead HIV/Hep C nurse at 56 Dean Street Joe Phillips; PrEP expert Professor Sheena McCormack; clinic manager of 56 Dean Street Leigh Chislett; AIDS nurse Jane Bruton; and author of ‘Straight Jacket: How To Be Gay And Happy’ Matthew Todd.
Listing
The HIV Monologues
February 2nd 2017 – February 19th 2017 Monday – Saturday, 7pm (not 15th) matinees 3pm on Sundays (not 12th)
