My last experience of normality before the country was thrown into lockdown was sitting in the Royal & Derngate theatre amongst a buzzing audience anticipating a performance of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Now, in a time where crowds are crime but we have finally been given hope of an end in sight, I had the opportunity to attend DMU’s Cultural eXchanges festival from the solitude of my bedroom to hear from the inspiration for the musical, Jamie Campbell himself.

From the first words of the conversation, Jamie’s expressive mannerisms and quirky personality drew me in. Over half an hour he discussed his life and its adaptation into not only an award winning hit musical but also an upcoming Disney movie, as well as his recent venture into fashion.

Naturally inspiring yet unassuming, Jamie didn’t even seem to realise the power of his own words. His story of individuality and bravery resonates not only with the LGBTQ+ community, but, as he pointed out, with anyone who has a dream. Clearly his story has touched many and once the world resumes play, I know one of the first things I want to do is experience the compelling tale unfold on stage all over again.