This ever-popular musical simply exploded into action as life in the New York High School of Performing Arts was laid bare. I’ve seen it staged a number of times, and the young cast in this version were as good and probably better than any in the past. They were electric. Set in the 1980s, Fame tells the story of students facing a four-year slog to make the professional stage, negotiating love and heartbreak on the journey. Leading the way is Spin who showed boundless energy in the role of Tyrone Jackson, a young man hiding a reading problem and having disciplinary problems with teacher Miss Sherman, impressively played by Beverley Trotman. Spin’s dancing and singing was memorable, while Beverley’s delivery of These Are My Children was an emotional joy. Excellent performances too from Holly James, playing the talented but tragic Carmen, Jon-Sel Gourman (Joe Vegas), Nikki Davis Jones (Serena), Tommy Sherlock (Nick), Danielle Cato (Iris) and Tarisha Rommick (Mabel). This show was packed with stunning songs, including Fame, I Want to Make Magic, Can’t Keep it Down and Bring on Tomorrow. | 
