Fame the Musical at The Lowry Manchester Review
Fame the Musical
The Lowry, Manchester
6-10 May 2014
Reviewed by Debbie Tasker
As a teenager I looked forward to Thursday nights at 8pm for my weekly fix of Fame. For myself siblings and friends it was a not to be missed show so I was ever so excited to be attending the opening night of Fame the Musical at The Lowry Theatre in Salford, Manchester last night.
The Lowry itself and the outlet and surrounding bars were especially busy as Our House was also showing in the Quays Theatre and Manchester United were playing at home. It did make for a very buzzing atmosphere though for an early evening drink. We picked the tickets up from Amy who was as usual friendly and polite and made our way to the stalls where we had great seats and a perfect view (M28/29).
Fame has been a hit TV series 1982-1987. A brilliant film (1980) and a well spoke of stage show since 1995. For this production we are brought in to the 21st century with references to big name superstars and the use of tablets and phones by the cast. Along with the fashions of today.
The show starts with the students gathering for the start of the first term at New York High School for Performing Arts. We meet the 10 whose journey we will follow through to graduation and the 4 teachers who are to be a big part of their lives over the coming years. As you would expect each and everyone has a story and there are relationships, drug abuse, illiteracy amongst other problems for the Pupils of Fame!
Jodie Steele playing the part of Carmen Diaz was my stand out performance. She is a superb singer and dancer and holds your attention when on stage. Alex Thomas as Tyrone Jackson is also brilliant his dancing skills are out of this world he reminded me of my Granddads old pipe cleaners – bending into any shape for different styles of dance, he is so nimble on his feet when needed to be for the ballet scenes but could switch to street dance at the drop of a hat, a fantastic performer. One little negative is sometimes his singing was murmured and inaudible, but hey he makes up for it in every other department. Landi Oshinowo Miss Sherman belts out a touching number, These are my Children and shows off her powerful vocals excellently and has the audience listening intently. Molly Washington (Mabel Stewart) provides one of the, in my opinion not enough of, humour scenes. The funny Mable’s Prayer gave us a giggle as did Can’t Keep it Down performed by Joseph Giacone in the role of Joe Vegas. But apart from these comedy elements it lacks humour.
With a minimal but effect set consisting of central blocks that are spun around to create the classrooms, sidewalks and dance studios by the whole cast at different times it works very well. The band are above on a ledge and are visible throughout. Good use of lighting also adds to the atmosphere.
This is a production full of energy by a talented young (mostly)cast. The dancing and choreography is excellent and it is a fun packed show. In my opinion the storyline is rather weak and the songs are unmemorable but if you want a feel good explosion of spirited youthful dancers and singers to entertain you for the evening book those tickets.
The finale has everybody up on their feet for the well know signature tune FAME… I’m gonna live forever, I’m gonna learn how to fly… high! I feel it coming together… I better sign of now before I end up singing the whole song!
Rating: 3.5/5
Tickets cost from £24 to £34 (includes £2 booking fee).
For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | Box Office 0843 208 6000
