Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547077
WEST End hit musical Every- body's Talking About Jamie arrives in Malta for its local premiere later this month, pro- duced by Revamp MT – the same company behind recent successes School of Rock and Amélie. Written by Tom MacRae and Dan Gillespie Sells from an idea by Jonathan Butterell, the show has earned critical acclaim for its bold, heartfelt story about identity, family, friendship and the courage to be fully yourself. Everybody's Talking About Jamie follows 16-year-old Jamie New as he dreams of becoming a drag queen. For Raphael Pace, playing Jamie is a welcome challenge. "It's such a massive role and there's so much to Jamie, so it's intim- idating, but that's also what makes it exciting," he confess- es. "Being the first person to play him in a Maltese produc- tion makes it feel even more special." Jamie's confidence is only part of the picture. "He has this huge personality and can come across as incredibly confident, but there's a lot of vulnerability underneath all that." Raphael leads an ensemble full of talent and experience, with Leontine and Claudette Pace in her return to the stage, along- side Alan Paris, Maria Buckle, Alexia Manduca, Jake Curti, Paul Portelli and Lawrence Gray. Joining them in the cast are local drag artists Chucky Barolo and Tristan Zammit, as well as UK drag performer Lewis Mullan, whose experi- ence brings added authenticity to Jamie's world. "They bring so much of themselves to the show," says Raphael. "They're also completely insane, in the best possible way, so rehearsals are never boring!" Claudette Pace believes the production's empowering themes are strengthened by its authenticity. "Drag is key in this musical. We have some of the island's top drag artists performing with actors who are new to drag," she says, "They are helping us understand what it takes to truly be a drag art- ist". Although the story is set in Sheffield, Claudette sees its central message as universal. "We come in all shapes, siz- es and forms – and accepting each other for what we are is far more rewarding than judg- ing others for what they appear to be." For Leontine, in the role of Jamie's mother Margaret, working alongside people with diverse experiences and per- spectives has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the production. "This diversity al- lows everyone to bring some- thing unique. One of the most beautiful aspects is the sense of community that develops. We may all be different, but when we start rehearsing, those dif- ferences come together to cre- ate something meaningful and powerful." This spirit of collaboration ex- tends to the creative team, led by Revamp MT artistic director Dorothy Bezzina and musical director Edward Mifsud, with Luke Brincat on choreography and Vincienne Spiteri Bezzina and Karl Mohnani bringing set design. While the Revamp MT team creates the world of Jamie on stage, the show's signifi- cance extends well beyond the footlights, believes Leontine. "Through Margaret, I can be at the forefront of promoting an important message of accept- ance and individuality. Theatre has a unique and powerful way of communicating these values, opening hearts and minds and encouraging meaningful con- versations." She hopes Marga- ret's determination will particu- larly resonate. "Sometimes, we find our- selves trying to become the person society expects us to be, rather than embracing who we truly are and following what we hold close to our hearts. I hope Margaret serves as a reminder to be true to yourself, have the courage to follow your heart, and never stop believing in the people you love." Raphael echoes that goal: "I'd love for audiences to leave feeling a little braver about be- ing themselves. Jamie's story is about refusing to make yourself smaller because of what other people might think. If a young person watches the show and comes away feeling more con- fident in who they are, or even just a little less afraid of be- ing different, that's a beautiful thing." And why see the show? Clau- dette, channeling her character Ray, has the answer: "It's a great show! And everybody's talking about it!" Revamp MT's production of Everybody's Talking About Jamie runs at Sir Temi Zammit Hall, Msida, on 31 October and 6, 7 November at 8pm and 1, 8 November at 4pm. This produc- tion is recommended for ages 12 and over. Tickets are available from www.showshappening. com/revampmt/jamie. Every- body's Talking About Jamie is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd (www. concordtheatricals.co.uk). This project is supported by Arts Council Malta, Visit Malta and Creative Europe Desk Malta. 2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 11 OCTOBER 2026 THEATRE Everybody's Talking About Jamie cast talks courage, community and being yourself As Everybody's Talking About Jamie gets set to make its Maltese debut, performers Raphael Pace, Leontine and Claudette Pace share their hopes for what audiences will take away Raphael Pace, Claudette Pace & Leontine (Photo: Lorella Castillo) Lewis Mullan, Lawrence Gray, Raphael Pace, Alan Paris, Chucky Bartolo and Tristan Zammit (Photo: Lorella Castillo)