Fame the Musical - Milton Keynes Theatre 12th-17th May 2014

"You want fame? Well fame costs... and right here is where you start paying - in sweat"

Since its West End launch in 1995, Fame The Musical has established itself as one of the country's most successful theatrical productions.

Forget the 1980's sweat band, florescent leg warmer clad wannabe's - this is Fame brought bang up to date with the performing arts students taking "selfies" on their iPad's and iPhone's. There's not a huge ghetto blaster in sight!

Directed and choreographed by Gary Lloyd - the man responsible for shows like "The Tina Turner Experience" and "Thriller Live", this is a high octane musical from the start, it's infectious.

It's the dancing that holds this show together, especially the amazing Alex Thomas as Tyrone Jackson - as sadly some of the songs, performed with heavy New York accents means that most of the lyrics are lost, which is a shame.

However that said, the musical number that proves a breath of fresh air (due to the  many sexual innuendos coming thick and fast) in the "Can't Keep it Down" number sung by the very funny Joe Vegas (Joseph Giacone).  It's a total audience pleaser!

Jodie Steele plays the lead as tragic wannabe star Carmen Diaz, at times she has a very pleasant voice but she seemed stretched when trying for the big high notes.

The action takes place in front of a Times Square backdrop, the set is quite basic with rotating blocks to form classrooms - there's a mezzanine flooring area above the actual stage on which a brilliant five piece band are housed.  The music is great throughout the show...you get little snippets of the iconic title song that you are literally itching to hear, but it's not until the very end you are indulged in this 80's Irene Cara classic.

The whole cast certainly gave it everything they could and when the finale finally came you are invited to join in - after saying "'I'm sure you know the words...?" and of course most of the audience did and were up on their feet before you could say...FAME!

Lily B x