Association of Community Theatre

Show Reviews 2017

FAME

Tempo

 

Director: Vicki Clarkson

Musical Director: John Barry

Dance Director: Alex Howarth

 

This show is another that was first seen as a film musical. The plot follows a bunch of students in the 1980s at a performing arts academy. It follows the progress of the students getting to grips with their acting, dancing and music lessons. We also see them develop as individuals through all their life challenges.

 

There are many social issues within the story, drug taking, eating disorders and the problem of being dyslexic. These are difficult areas for a an group to understand especially when considering ages of youth groups.

 

In this presentation, the strong cast took hold of their characters and delivered meaningful interpretations. Everyone on stage mirrored their characters in their stagecraft and team work whilst reaching for their own individual goals.

 

This was achieved with the support and back-up of the creative and technical teams. The direction was clear and drew out the very best from the cast. The choreography was styled to suit all abilities which meant that the delivery was full of confidence and full of energy from each performer. Musically the reading of the score, the orchestra (especially the horn player) and vocals brought the production to the highest of levels. A splendid sound mix and imaginative lighting completed the overall presentation.

 

Playing the teachers were Eleanor Fielding (Miss Bell), Catlin Medcalf (Miss Myers) Sarah Bailey (Miss Sherman) and Sam Jones (Mr Scheinkopf) who all performed their individual roles to the full.

There are such an eclectic group of characters, from Joe Vegas, a Spanish student with a crush on Carmen, Sammy Scott, Schlomo, who comes from a musical background, sets up a rock band and has a romantic interest in Carmen, Ben Lynch. Then there is the talented dancer and singer Iris Kelly, Holly Henry, and Grace ‘Lambchop’ Lamb, Emelia Mason. Each of them served the script well.

 

Grace Goddard gave an impressive and meaningful portrayal as the fame searching heroin user, Carmen Diaz. As for the Russian immigrant hip-hop dancer, Tyrone Jackson, he was given all the correct attributes by Jacob Beresford.

 

Nick (Tommy Seymour) and Serena (Amie Page) were the serious and shy actor and actress. Their quest for romance was very believable.

 

The other characters and ensemble all played an integral part in the proceedings, with the opening scene showing their dedication and discipline which were maintained throughout.