Exciting news as the award-winning musical explosion Everybody’s Talking About Jamie welcomes a new cast member and welcomes back an old friend!
Phil Nichol will be returning to reprise his role of Hugo/ Loco Chanelle, the part he played in the original West End cast.
Phil Nichol
Phil has an impressive history on the stage, appearing in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at the Gielgud Theatre, starring alongside Bill Bailey in Twelve Angry Men and performing in the original West End production of Taboo with Boy George.
As the Artistic Director of Comedians’ Theatre Company, Phil has produced and starred in over 15 shows in the past 12 years, and has been touring his stand-up around the UK.
Phil Nichol as Hugo. Photo by Johan Perrson
Melissa Jaques will step into the role of Margaret New, having understudied the role for over a year. She follows in the footsteps of Rebeccan McKinnis who also steeped into the role permanently from understudying and is now moving on to star in Dear Evan Hansen.
Melissa Jaques
Melissa most recently played Trish in Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre, but has a huge back-catalogue of musicals under her belt, including Wicked, Mamma Mia!, Company and Into the Woods.
Melissa Jacques as Margaret. Photo by Matt Crockett
Nica Burns, Producer of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie said:
“Sad as we are to lose Rebecca Mckinnis, we are delighted that she is leaving to play the role of Heidi Hansen for the UK premiere of the Broadway hit, Dear Evan Hansen. Rebecca started with Jamie as understudy 2 years ago and was promoted into the leading role of Margaret New and made it her own.
“It is wonderful to see Melissa Jacques following in her footsteps as she too steps up to the role of Margaret. Like Rebecca, Melissa is a terrific actress with a fantastic voice. There is an extraordinary wealth of performing talent in the UK and it is exciting to see artists developing within a company and establishing themselves as lead performers.
“A big welcome back to comedian and actor Phil Nichol who so brilliantly originated the role of Loco Chanelle at the Apollo.”
Joining Phil and Melissa in this feel-good and utterly fabulous musical are Alexander Archer as Mickey, Tilly La Belle Yengo as Fatimah and Gillian Ford as understudy Margaret, Miss Hedge and Ray.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is currently running at the Apollo Theatre, so grab your ticket and don’t miss out on this Olivier-award nominated production about overcoming prejudice and bullying to follow your dream and find your place.