REVIEW: Fame the Musical at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking

A staple on stage, screen and Walkman’s since the 80s, Fame is the classic story of hope, ambition and showbiz with a sprinkling of love for good measure. 

This production starts slowly and with a few technical wobbles, but a strong and energetic ensemble picks this production up with Morgan Jackson and Tom Mussel particularly impressing. 

The set design is relatively simple and static but allows the large cast plenty of space for some expansive choreography. The actor/muso device utilised some talented performers, namely Alexander Zane (Goody) and Simon Anthony (Schlomo), but it wasn’t always clear when the music was full band or the on stage musicians.

Jorgie Porter shows there’s much more to her than starring in a Soap and demonstrates some beautiful dance moves as budding ballet dancer Iris. Her relationship with dyslexic Tyrone (played by Jamal Kane Crawford) is the most fully formed of all the love interests and there seems a real, genuine connection between the two performers. Crawford is imposing and vulnerable in equal measure and deserves all the whoops and cheers from the female audience.

FIRST LOOK: Fame the Musical, on tour around the UK

Keith Jack, Mica Paris and Jorgie Porter star in the new UK Tour of Fame – The Musical opening at Manchester Palace on 20 July for a brand new 30th Anniversary Tour.

Based on the 1980 phenomenal pop culture film, Fame – The Musical is the international smash-hit sensation following the lives of students at New York’s High School For The Performing Arts as they navigate their way through the highs and lows, the romances and the heartbreaks and the ultimate elation of life. This bittersweet but uplifting triumph of a show explores the issues that confront many young people today: prejudice, identity, pride, literacy, sexuality, substance abuse and perseverance.

FAME the musical announces new new 30th Anniversary tour

Fame - The Musical is set to tour the UK in a stunning new 30th Anniversary tour opening at Manchester Palace on 20 July 2018. For full tour dates and venues visit www.fameuktour.co.uk

Based on the 1980 phenomenal pop culture film, Fame The Musical is the international smash hit sensation following the lives of students at New York’s High School For The Performing Arts as they navigate their way through the highs and lows, the romances and the heartbreaks and the ultimate elation of life. This bittersweet but uplifting triumph of a show explores the issues that confront many young people today: prejudice, identity, pride, literacy, sexuality, substance abuse and perseverance.

Fame the Musical has seen seven West End runs since opening in Miami in 1988 and continues to be one of the best loved musicals across the world.

UK tour of Fame cancelled due to poor ticket sales

The 25th Anniversary UK tour of Fame has been cancelled and will come to a close this Saturday (28 June 2014) at the Kings Theatre in Glasgow  The show was set to tour until October where it was meant to come to a close on the 18th of that month at Kings Lynn Corn Exchange. 

Steve Potts from Bill Kenwright LTD said "It is with considerable regret that it has become necessary to curtail the current tour of Fame the Musical. Fans of the show have been thrilled by this new production, which has enjoyed a five month run, but in a difficult economic climate and with World Cup fever it simply hasn’t attracted a wide enough audience. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the cast, crew and creative team, the Fame audiences, and the theatres and theatre managers who have been incredibly supportive."