Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, about a teenager who finds self-assurance in the art of drag, will be adapted for the big screen. A movie adaptation of the West End musical is in the works through Warp Films, with original director Jonathan Butterell attached to helm.
Original creators Tom MacRae (book and lyrics) and Dan Gillespie Sells (music) will adapt their work for the screen. Production is expected to begin next spring.
Inspired by a BBC Three documentary about Jamie Campbell, the musical follows a 16-year-old who, still grappling with coming out as gay, embraces drag to overcome bullying and taunts about his sexuality. The show premiered at Sheffield Theatres before a transfer to London’s Apollo Theatre and earning a subsequent five Olivier Award nominations, including Best New Musical, and for stars John McCrea and Josie Walker.
The West End production has recently extended booking through April 2019, and a performance will be screened live to over 500 movie theatres in the U.K. and Ireland July 5.“I couldn’t be more thrilled that Warp are producing the film of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie,” Butterell said in a statement. “We were inspired by Jamie Campbell to tell this open hearted story of a boy looking to take his place in the world without shame or prejudice supported by the unflinching love of his Mum. Warp Films like Sheffield, the city in which they were founded, reflect the diverse and vibrant city that we chose to set our story in. For me it’s a coming home.”
