Sheffield: Discover the Real Locations in ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’

On film, Sheffield has usually represented the British equivalent of the US Midwest, characterized by post-industrial hard times and could-be-anywhere streets. However, ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ provides the South Yorkshire city with a fresh perspective.

The musical, centered around the journey of schoolboy drag queen Jamie, is set in working-class Parson Cross, located to the north of the city. Director Jonathan Butterell, a local, adds depth to this area by incorporating vibrant song and dance sequences alongside stunning representations of the surrounding rolling hills. He views the film as ‘a complete celebration of Sheffield’, emphasizing the city’s robust and diverse nature.

Exploring Parson Cross

Butterell selected Parson Cross for Jamie’s home partly due to his familiarity with the area. ‘I felt I knew the world intimately,’ he remarked, highlighting how the local hills and council estates influenced the film’s authenticity. The home shared by Jamie and his mother, Margaret, offers two contrasting views: a typical suburban front and a picturesque back garden leading to a breathtaking landscape of green hills. Location manager Richard Knight noted the significance of finding the right spot to reflect Jamie’s aspirational journey, suggesting that ‘some distant hills might be nice to give him that sense of looking into the future.’

Margaret’s Workplace

Just south of Parson Cross lies Margaret’s workplace, located on Wordsworth Drive in Southey Green. The shop, Gill’s Stores, plays a significant role in depicting the community’s daily life. Additionally, Margaret’s friend Ray works at a nearby takeaway known as Chez Ray, bringing more local flavor to the story.