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Church Hill Theatre, Edinburgh
Thu 16 Jul – Sat 18 Jul 2026
🎭 The Show
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie has been a West End favourite since 2017, inspired by the true story of sixteen‑year‑old Jamie New, growing up on a Sheffield council estate. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in at school and is terrified of what his future might look like — but what he doesn’t realise is that he’s standing on the edge of becoming something extraordinary.
This week, Find Your Light brought that story to Edinburgh’s amateur theatre scene, strutting confidently onto the Church Hill Theatre stage with a production bursting with colour, heart, and fierce young talent.
🌟 About Find Your Light
Find Your Light is made up of performers aged 11–25 from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Working to an intensive rehearsal schedule and supported by a professional creative team, FYL delivered a full‑scale production in under two weeks — an achievement that is genuinely impressive and shows in the polish of the final performance.
👠 Performances
⭐ Jamie New — Rory Pentland (Thu & Sat Eve) / Olly Freeman‑Ferguson (Fri & Sat Matinee)
Rory Pentland brings Jamie to life with sass, vulnerability, and star power. His character development is a joy to watch as Jamie grows into his fierce, unapologetic self. Rory’s stage presence feels confident yet tender, capturing the heart of Jamie’s journey.
💜Margaret New — Isla Nesbit (Thu & Sat Eve) / Brook Dunbar (Fri & Sat Matinee)
Isla Nesbit delivers a beautifully raw portrayal of Margaret, Jamie’s mum and solo parent. Her vocal storytelling is powerful, emotional, and at times angelic. “He’s My Boy” and” If I Met Myself Again” are standout moments, filled with genuine warmth and protective chemistry between Isla and Rory.
📚 Pritti Pasha — Lucymarie Mcevoy
LucyMarie shines as Pritti, Jamie’s best friend. Together, they deliver some of the show’s funniest moments with brilliant timing. Mcevoy’s vocal control is stunning, especially when she opens up into her solo numbers — rich, clear, and beautifully belted.
👑 Hugo / Loco Chanelle — Sam Carlin (Cherry West)
Sam Carlin is absolutely fabulous, fierce, and polished as Hugo/Loco Chanelle. They bring a wealth of experience and a professional stage presence that elevates every scene. Sam has that rare ability to be a bright, commanding star while still knowing exactly when to step back and let others shine — a generosity that makes their performance even more powerful.
🎂Ray — Iris Simmons
Iris Simmons nails the comedic timing as Ray, Margaret’s support and Jamie’s bonus parent. Warm, funny, and full of charm.
🧑🩰Ensemble & Featured Dancers
The ensemble are electric from the moment they step on stage. Their energy, commitment, and sharp choreography drive the show forward with confidence.
The featured dancers are mesmerising, adding something special to both the upbeat, glitter‑filled moments and the more somber, haunting sequences. Their presence enriches the storytelling and gives the production a professional edge.
💃Costumes
The costumes are fun, bright, and full of personality — perfectly matching the show’s bold identity. The only slight miss is the finale outfits for the three drag queens, which feel a little tacky and underwhelming compared to the rest of the wardrobe. Everything else is vibrant and iconic.
🔊 Sound Design
The sound design is the one element that doesn’t quite meet the otherwise professional standard. The pre‑recorded backing tracks occasionally overpower the cast, especially in quieter emotional moments, pulling focus from the performers’ talent. It’s a small frustration in an otherwise strong production.
✨ Final Thoughts
This production is a fabulous work of art from an amateur theatre group performing at a truly professional level. The fact that it was pieced together in just two weeks is inspiring, impressive, and a testament to the dedication of everyone involved.
Find Your Light have delivered a bold, heartfelt, and joyous Everybody’s Talking About Jamie — one that celebrates individuality, courage, and the magic of finding your light
Written by Suzzi Hirst
*tickets in exchange for honest review
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