Michelle Visage took to social media earlier today to announce her excitement about joining the West End cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. In an Instagram post, the Ireland’s Got Talent judge proclaimed that she was “thrilled” that she would be making her West End debut in the show.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is based on the 2011 BBC Three documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16, which told the story of young Jamie Campbell, who overcomes prejudice and bullying by fulfilling his dream of becoming a drag queen.
With music by The Feeling songwriter Dan Gillespie Sells and lyrics by Tom MacRae, the stage musical transferred to the West End’s Apollo Theatre last year following a successful run at Sheffield Crucible in 2017.
Michelle Visage explained that she wanted to get involved in the production because of the important message it carries:
“The reason I chose this show, in particular, is because of the very important message it tells. It is a great show with great music and talent but more importantly, it’s about love, truth and the tenacity of the human spirit! Also, there is a HUGE bonus: I get to live in London, one of my favourite cities in the world!”
Visage has always been open about her passion for mental health issues in young LGBT+ people and recently discussed her daughter’s struggles with her sexuality and mental health on her podcast What’s The Tee? which she presents alongside RuPaul.
Fans were quick to express their excitement about the news on Twitter, with one elated fan writing, “yes, yes and YES! seen @JamieMusical twice and now I have yet another reason to go again.”
@michellevisage urm yes, yes and YES! seen @JamieMusical twice and now i have yet another reason to go again 😭💘💥💃
— dan (@danrhodess) September 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/CHochedez/status/1042362696467996672
So I DEFINITELY need to see @JamieMusical, now that the fab @michellevisage is going to be starring as Miss Hedge!! 💖
— Barnsey (@officialbarnsey) September 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/callumbboyd/status/1042366967804510210
Michelle Visage will take on the role of Miss Hedge, the careers guidance counsellor in Jamie’s school. She will debut as the character on October 18 in London’s Apollo Theatre, and the production will run until January 26.
The show’s producer Nica Burns explained why they are delighted to have Michelle Visage on board, saying,
“Michelle blew us away with her fantastic singing voice, her excellent characterisation of the part and her charismatic stage presence.
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Michelle Visage to the cast.”
© 2018 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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