It’s not just Jamie that everyone is talking about at the moment, but also the new additions to this award-winning West End show that keep on coming.
And they’re about to add one more, as Shane Richie will be soon treading the boards as Hugo/Loco Chanel from January 29 until 4 May 2019.
Commenting on his new role, Shane says: ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a terrific show so I jumped at the chance to play Hugo / Loco Chanelle. It’s so different to any role I’ve played before and too good an opportunity to miss. I started my career in night clubs and cabaret pubs – the kind of world Hugo inhabits – where I met some wonderful characters. So in a sense I feel like I’ve met Hugo / Loco Chanelle before. I’ve had lots of ideas about how to portray the character and sing the songs. As for my dress and heels, hang onto your handbags!’
With a career spanning over four decade, and well known for his TV role as Alfie Moon in EastEnders, Shane is no stranger to Theatreland. His previous appearances include starring in Grease (West End), One Flew over The Cuckoo’s Nest (UK Tour), Scrooge: The Musical (UK Tour), Lone Star and Private Wars (Kings Head Theatre). He also starred in The Perfect Murder tour in February 2016 (alongside his EastEnders co-star Jessie Wallace), and toured in a production of Peter James’ Not Dead Enough. He’s currently starring as the lead role in the pantomime Robin Hood at the Milton Keynes Theatre. Shane also co-wrote and co-produced the UK tour of Boogie Nights which went on to a sell-out season at the Savoy Theatre in the West End.
With Michelle Visage joining the show back in October (with her run continuing until the 26 January), and then Layton Williams announced as the new Jamie from the 28 January (taking over from the insanely talented John McCrea who originated the role), there must have been plenty of “first week” inductions going on over at the Apollo Theatre lately!
Nominated for five Olivier Awards in 2018 and winner of 7 major theatre awards, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the story of Jamie New, a 16-year-old teenager from Sheffield who has love of high heels and even higher ambitions of becoming a drag queen.
With his supportive mum, shop owner and drag superstar Hugo/Loco Chanel and his best friend Pritti Pasha by his side helping him to overcome prejudice, follow Jamie as he steps out of the darkness and into the spotlight.
The show is currently booking until 28 September 2019