Invited | Review by Robyn Watson
Everybody will be talking about Jamie around Darlington for the foreseeable future after this incredible production by Darlington Operatic Society! We were welcomed into the Hippodrome to come and see their latest show and as a huge fan of their work I couldn’t wait to see what they had in store for us last night. I have said this before, but Darlington Operatic Society is the closest thing you will see to a professional show from an amateur dramatic society. You would be hard pushed not to believe they are professional when seeing one of their shows and last night was no exception.
From the minute the curtain opened we were hit with high energy levels from the classroom performers. And you don’t even know it was the opening number and the bar was set from the very beginning. Impeccable choreography from Joanne Hand and slick singing allowed us to be transported into the classroom with them. A special shout out to Zoe Cullen and Bertha Mayo who played Bex and Becca who both worked in perfect harmony together. These two roles can often be played a little mean but instead they took a different route to their performance and gave it a real positive spin. The shrill high pitched screams were hilarious and their choreography was delivered to perfection. Two absolute stars on stage.
The star of the show Jamie New, the boy so nice he came out twice, was played by Harrison Bateman. He delivered this role so well. His characterisation of Jamie was perfectly unique, hilarious, sassy and very touching. He had a beautiful singing voice and walked like a true professional in those heels! He gave all of the attitude and drama Jamie’s character needs and delivered his comedy in perfect timing. The audience were in the palm of his hand. His rendition of Wall in my Head was beautifully moving and we got to witness a really wonderful sensitivity to his brash character. A brilliant job Harrison, you should feel incredibly proud of yourself.
During the classroom scene we got to meet the class bully Dean Paxton who was played well by Jonathan Wilson- Downs. A truly unlikable character and this must be such a difficult role to play. He gave great mean energy on stage and delivered his lines clearly. Their careers teacher Miss Head is also sadly, a wholly unlikeable character but Katie Spencer delivered this role perfectly. Stern and mean, she commanded the stage well. Her version of Work of Art was truly spectacular – what a sensational voice! It was even better than the professional version I have seen. It isn’t a song I particularly liked from seeing the show before but Katie really showed the Hippodrome last night how it should be performed. I am now a firm fan, but only if Katie is going to sing it! We were wowed by the quality of singing throughout the whole show and couldn’t quite get over just how amazing some of the voices Darlington OS have.
Speaking of sensational voices, Pritti Patel was played by Madison Parkinson. As Jamie’s very best friend she has an integral part of this show. Playing a wholly polarising character to Jamie, a shy, earnest and hard working young girl she delivered it beautifully with such integrity to the role. Her singing voice was powerful and raw. I felt every emotion when she performed Spotlight and my favourite stand out moment of the whole evening, It Means Beautiful. I shed many tears during her rendition of this number and had goosebumps. It was just effortless and flowed out of her like liquid onto the stage. I felt every single word and as though she meant it. It is a very difficult thing to sing a song like that and leave yourself open and vulnerable but she delivered it perfectly. No over egging any notes, just beautiful singing. I adored the use of the lighting during this number too as the disco ball illuminated the whole theatre representing stars in the universe. What a touching moment.
The lighting throughout was in perfect keeping with the show and the spot light was used with great impact. They also had a projector screen with beautiful images throughout the show taken by Scott Akoz. It is small details like this that Darlington OS always seem to get right and it just takes their performance to the next level. The only slight critique I had was the scenery changes. As some of the set was rather large it provided a slight pause between scenes with only a small piece of music to cover this. It slowed the show down a slight bit but I have to say the show was made by the wonderful scenery particularly Jamie and Margaret’s home and the toilet scene.
Jamie decides to go to Prom in a dress and takes himself to a local Drag Store – Victor’s Secret. The wonderful Hugo played by the wonderful Leighton Taylor- Jones greets him. We then find out his alter ego is the iconic Loco Chanel. Leighton just seems to be the master of change. I have seen him in several different roles, all different and all beautifully characterised. He gave this part elegance and eccentricity which is just what it needed. His rendition of The Legend of Loco Chanel was exceptional as well as Over the Top. He had crystal clear vocals and gave great drama to both numbers as well as looking exceptional in drag.
During the whole show we were treated to some stunning, powerful choreography from the Imagination Chorus. Another favourite moment of the show was delivered by Margaret New, Emma- Louise Dickinson, when she sang If I Met Myself Again. During this number she reminisces about meeting her younger self once more and the legendary Darrien Wright and his dance partner Susy performed a breathtaking contemporary piece of dance. I could watch Darrien dance all day, he really is a master of his skill- I am always drawn into watching him on stage. Emma- Louise played Margaret beautifully. Fiercely loyal to her son and a real vulnerability to her character. She laid her soul on stage as she performed He’s My Boy. You could have heard a pin drop in the audience as she captivated the Hippodrome last night. Once again, another raw and fearless vocal performance was given during this show. She was born to play this part and deliver that song.
Margaret New’s best friend and on stage legend Ray was played by Charlotte Sisson. She was perfect for this part as well. She delivered her comedy perfectly and I couldn’t help but laugh every time she swore. The older lady next to me wasn’t so keen on the swearing as she kept gasping every time a cheeky swear word slipped out of Ray’s mouth. I will say if you are not keen on swearing maybe try to cover your ears when Ray is around! A wonderful friend and dynamic duo on stage the pair worked incredibly well together and I am just so pleased I got to see this cast. This show does have two teams working to play some of the parts within the show- I am guessing due to the sheer amount of talent Darlington has. The
Another highlight for me was the opening of Act Two with Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. The use of the stage is just great as they have been directed to perfection to use every inch of their surroundings. This show was a real triumph. Perfectly cast with boundless energy from the seamless and well rehearsed choreography and breathtaking, raw vocal performances. This will be a show I will be thinking about for a very long time to come. Bravo Darlington Operatic Society, a real triumph. I cannot wait to come and see your next show – Come from Away which will be on in Autumn 2025.