Local Mum and writer for My Tunbridge Wells writer, Emma Murphy, went along to see Fame the Musical at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. The show is being performed daily from now until Saturday inclusive so if you are thinking of going long, this review is a must-read!
The opening night performance of Fame the Musical at the Assembly Hall Theatre just got better and better! It has all you want from this iconic 80s classic and more! The leg warmers and Lycra, the muscles, the famous musical score and the teenage heart break, but the flicks and kicks are sharper, the energy is higher and the voices more astonishing – all worthy of a West End performance.
The super talented cast immediately transport you into the exciting lives of a new intake of students at New York High School for Performing Arts and I couldn’t wait to go on their journey with them. The dance choreography is mind-blowing, proving the cast can expertly turn their hand from ballet, to modern, to hip-hip.
Instruments are played live on stage by some of the cast, including the 80s icon, the saxophone and there is even some comedy to boot! Not only does Fame have the feel-good-factor in bucket fulls, but the plot tackles issues that are sadly still prevalent today, reminding you of the famous line from the film, “Well, fame costs”.
I absolutely LOVED the performance of the catchy title song and also look out for ‘Dancin’ on the sidewalk’ performed by the character Tyrone and the dancers. Of course it was something else to see Mica Paris play Miss Sherman, whose spine tingling solo “These are my children’, made the audience hold their breath. Jorgie Porter, best known for her role of Theresa McQueen in Hollyoaks proves she is a very graceful ballet dancer.
Another stand out performance for me was the lesser known, Stephanie Rojas, who plays the desperately fame hungry Carmen. Honestly though I could name many more of the cast for their individual chances to shine and all of them had unstoppable energy. I also loved the extra special performance at the end, which I won’t spoil for you!
Not only did this musical leave me wanting to go directly to 1980s New York to put on my legwarmers, learn the high box jump and live forever… I also want to see it again! Get your tickets NOW – it’s only here until Saturday!
Fame the Musical runs from now until Saturday 25th August 2018 at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
Disclosure: Emma received complimentary tickets to see Fame the Musical for the purpose of this honest review.