Layton Williams and Shane Richie, who have both starred in the musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in London’s West End (the former continues in the title role), will reprise their performances on the road. The two have been tapped to headline the first U.K. national tour of the Olivier Award-nominated show, launching in February 2020 in Sheffield (the setting of the musical—and the home of its 2017 world premiere).
Williams will play the title role of Jamie New, which he has taken on at London’s Apollo Theatre since January; The Beautiful People alum’s additional credits include Billy Elliot, the U.K. tour of Rent, and Kiss Me, Kate at the Sheffield Crucible. Richie, known for his performance as Alfie Moon on BBC’s EastEnders, will play Hugo/Loco Chanelle, having previously played the drag veteran earlier this year.
Additional casting for the tour will be announced later.
Based on the 2011 documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16, Everybody's Talking About Jamie centers on a young drag queen who overcomes prejudice to step into the spotlight. The musical features music by The Feeling lead singer and songwriter Dan Gillespie Sells and a book and lyrics by Tom MacRae.
The production, directed by Jonathan Butterell, was broadcast live in movie theatres in 2018. The film adaptation is also in the works with a cast including Max Harwood, Richard E. Grant, Sharon Horgan, and Sarah Lancashire.
