In a candid conversation with Ivano Turco, the rising star of musical theatre, we explore his journey and the impact of his latest role in “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.” Ivano, known for his dynamic performances from Prince Sebastian in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cinderella” to his portrayal of Bob Marley, now steps into the shoes of Jamie, a role he describes as the closest to his true self. Embracing his queerness openly on stage, Ivano finds a unique connection with this character, allowing a more natural and personal performance. His career, marked by versatility and challenging roles, reflects his commitment to growth and exploration in the arts. As he discusses his experiences, Ivano sheds light on the transformative power of theatre and the importance of authentic representation.

Ivano, you’ve demonstrated remarkable versatility in your career so far. What makes your role as Jamie in “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” uniquely fulfilling for you?

This role is incredibly fulfilling because it’s the closest to my true self. As Jamie, I can embrace my queerness authentically on stage, something I haven’t done before. It allows me to perform without having to layer on a character that’s far from who I am.

You mentioned that playing Jamie feels more natural to you. Can you elaborate on how this has influenced your approach in rehearsals?

In rehearsals, it’s been liberating not to delve deeply into creating a character’s mannerisms and nuances. Since Jamie’s character aligns closely with my own, I’ve been able to bring a lot of my natural movements and expressions into the role, making it a more organic and freeing experience.

Jamie’s relationship with his mother is a significant aspect of the story. How does your personal background resonate with this element of the character?

Much like Jamie, I grew up in a single-parent household with my mother, which created a deep connection with Jamie’s character. I understand the bond and the unique dynamics of such a relationship, as well as the feeling of pursuing a dream that differs from the norm.

“Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” has been a huge hit internationally. Why do you think the character of Jamie resonates so strongly with audiences?

Jamie’s character is groundbreaking. He’s a boy who is gay and aspires to be a drag queen, portrayed without the burden of queerness. This refreshing perspective empowers and resonates with the audience, including myself, offering a new lens to view queer characters through.

The music in “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” is noted for its contemporary feel. How do you think this impacts the show’s appeal?

The music’s contemporary style, resembling what we listen to nowadays, adds a layer of realism to the show. It’s easy to digest and relates closely to our daily lives, making the musical more approachable and realistic than traditional musical theatre.

Reflecting on your career, from your debut in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella to playing Bob Marley and now Jamie, how have these varied roles shaped you as an actor?

Each role has been a unique challenge and learning experience. From the pressure of leading a multimillion-pound musical to embodying an iconic figure like Bob Marley in just two weeks, these roles have honed my skills and resilience. They’ve allowed me to grow significantly as an actor and to appreciate my achievements amidst the hard work.

Looking ahead, what are your thoughts and aspirations beyond your current role in “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie”?

Currently, I’m fully immersed in the role of Jamie, a dream show for me. This role lets me apply all the techniques I’ve learned over the years at full throttle. I feel a powerful connection with Jamie, and for now, I’m focusing on maximizing this opportunity to its fullest.