The 2026/27 theatrical season in the Syrena Theatre will open with the premiere of the British musical “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie”. The play will be directed by Agnieszka Płoszajska.
“Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” (screenplay and song lyrics – Tom MacRae, music – Dan Gillespie Sells) will be the next – after “SIX” and “Heathers” – hit from London’s West End to be shown in Warsaw’s Syrena Theatre.
This story really happened in a small city in Northern-Eastern England. 16-year-old Jamie decided to pursue a career as a drag queen. In order to fulfil his dream and perform in drag in front of an audience, he had to overcome the prejudices of his peers and neighbours in his hometown. The BBC made a documentary about the teenager’s story, and in 2017, a musical based on the documentary was created. It was staged at the Apollo Theatre on London’s West End until 2021. That same year, a film adaptation of “Everybody’s Talking…” premiered, produced by Amazon Studios. The musical became a huge hit thanks to its captivating story and outstanding music in the style of modern pop.
What’s beautiful about this musical is that it presents a 16-year-old boy’s right to express his identity, dreams, and desires at school as something completely natural. It’s the need to fight for this right that feels incomprehensible. After the premiere of “Heathers” at the Syrena Theatre, we know that high school musicals engage young audiences; they express their fears, frustrations, and – most importantly – give them a sense that they are not alone in their struggles and dilemmas. “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” will be an extension of the repertoire aimed at young audiences and a broadening of important themes explored by Syrena.
Jacek Mikołajczyk, the artistic director of the Syrena Theatre
– Licensed musicals in Syrena are not only arresting in their form, but they also address important social topics – says Monika Walecka, director of the Syrena Theatre. – In “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” it’s the is issue of identity, including sexual, but also tolerance in one’s school and hometown. The premiere will be accompanied by a partnership with an NGO specializing in these topics and educational materials included in the show’s programme.
For the last several years, together with social partners, the Syrena Theatre has been organizing “Hey, You!” workshops dedicated to teaching what is hate and how to counter hate speech. The workshops are addressed to Warsaw schools pupils.
The plot of the musical begins when high school student Jamie New, during a career planning class in a small town, announces that he wants to become a drag queen. Supported by his friend Pritty, he decides to attend the school prom in a dress. Jamie is backed by his mother, Margaret, who is raising him on her own. He also tries to rebuild his relationship with his father, who does not accept his life choices. Will the teenager, with the support of his mother and the local drag queens, achieve his goal? Will he win over acceptance?
Syrena’s production of „Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” will be directed by Agnieszka Płoszajska. Michał Cyran will be responsible for the choreography, Tomasz Filipczak for the music direction, Jacek Mikołajczyk for the translation, Anna Chadaj for the stage design, and Emil Wysocki for costumes. Lightning will be designed by Katarzyna Łuszczyk.
The cast of the production will be selected through a nationwide casting, which will take place in October this year. After the cast is announced, ticket sales for the premiere run in September 2026 will begin. Rehearsals are set to start in the spring of 2026.
Musical is licensed by Concord Theatricals.
UPCOMING PREMIERES IN THE SYRENA THEATRE
„Beetlejuice”dir. Jacek Mikołajczyk (September 13, 2025)
„Starzyński” dir. Konrad Imiela (February 2026)
„Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” dir. Agnieszka Płoszajska (September 2026)
CREATIVE TEAM
Screenplay and song lyrics – Tom MacRae
Music – Dan Gillespie Sells
Direction – Agnieszka Płoszajska
Choreography – Michał Cyran
Music direction – Tomasz Filipczak
Translation – Jacek Mikołajczyk
Set design – Anna Chadaj
Costumes – Emil Wysocki
Light direction – Katarzyna Łuszczyk