Fame The Musical

Prior to visiting this production of Fame the Musical I have over the years seen a number of Junior productions of the show and of course the amazing Alan Parker film. Being familiar with the story, I was therefore very much looking forward to seeing what Liam and the team had created.

As soon as I walked through the door I was given a very warm welcome and immediately noticed that rather than a backing track there was a “Junior” live Band of 13 talented musicians led by Vicky Moroziuk and Laura McChrystal.  This show, like so many others, always benefits from a live band over soundtracks which never have that ‘edge’ and quality and tonight was no exception thanks to the tightness of the talented live band.

Then the production started and I was blown away by the impact the show made on me, every performer added their own unique contribution be it Vocal, Acting, Movement or a combination of all three so that the show overall was very much greater than the sum of its many talented parts.  This, of course, was a tribute to the work that Liam, Bethany, Vicky, Sophie and Laura had obviously made in the rehearsal room which resulted in a cast very much enjoying themselves on stage and being relaxed and comfortable both with their own roles and their interactions with each other.

Those who know Fame will also be familiar with the three artistic specialties taught at the High School for the Performing Arts and so I’m going use that structure to walk through the Principal teams and start with “The Actors”.  Preston Nash, Emily Holder and Jack Lamb were a joy to watch, and each gave very naturalistic performances throughout the show as Nick, Serena and Joe.  I have to confess that Emily gave one of the most nuanced performances I have seen from her over the years especially the emotional depth she gave Serena which resulted in a truly captivating performance.

Ayanna Mzungu, Sophie Benner, Caitlin Robinson and Scarlett Coileman-Smith each brought their own individuality and expression to the “The Dancers” Tyra, Carmen, Iris and Mabel.  In every aspect of their performances, be that vocal, acting or singing the four worked very well together bringing pathos and explosive energy to their characters.  I was particularly impressed with Ayanna who, without over performance or upstaging, drew the focus of the audience in all her scenes.

Turning to “The Musicians”, Jessica Griffiths, Hermione Mae and Megan Holder were all on sparkling form as Schlomo, Grace and “Goody” apparently effortlessly demonstrating their musical instrument talent alongside great acting. Their performances throughout the show extended beyond the confines of musical talent with some really impressive vocal performances throughout.

“The Teachers” have the unenviable task of providing the “glue” between the three disciplines and school hierarchy, and also within a youth team ensuring their performances give them the gravitas and seniority required to be believable.  Hemi Lewis, Darcey Adams, Lucy Horton and Tom Blakey achieved this with ease with a combination of empathy, discipline and individualism resulting in a clear distinction between themselves and the students.

Spotlight’s ethos is very impressive, focussing as it does on inclusivity, and I was delighted to read that this was their first production as a Community Interest Company.  In addition, their decision to enable everyone who auditioned for the production to be in the show was a very brave approach.  As you can see from this review, it was one that reaped great rewards both in terms of principal roles and also in the energy, talent and skill of the whole cast,   So my congratulations to the Acting Students:  Emily, Erin, Freya, Imogen, Izzy, Jasmine, Josh and Sophie.  The Music Students: Edward, Lizzie, Evie, Fern, Hemani, Jess, Karen, Mia, Tessa and The Dance Students: Alannah, Dance Captain Amy, Charlotte, Esmie, Freya, Grace, Hallie, Harry, Helena, Milly, Olivia, Orla and Steph.

The production team should be very proud of what they created and the technical team as always were on great form.  Sound design was crisp, punchy and well balanced between pit and stage thanks to the skill of Rob Kettridge and Bronwen Webster.  Lighting design was very effective and lifted the simple staging to great effect thanks to Sarah Kerry and all scene changes were on point thanks to Laura McCrystal, Roman Moroziuk and Nigel Newton.

A very enjoyable production, full of light and shade, with a kicking live band.  What’s not to Love! 
Congratulations to all :-)

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