Fame – New Wimbledon Theatre and Touring

Alex Thomas in Fame at the New Wimbledon Theatre and touring. Picture: Roy Tan

Fame continues at the New Wimbledon Theatre, London, until 1 March, then continues touring until June 21.

Any hope of leg-warmers, batwing jumpers and other such 1980s wardrobe classics are immediately dashed. The kids from this new production of Fame, directed by Gary Lloyd, probably weren’t even born in the 80s and the script is quick to place the storyline firmly in 2014, complete with references to Ellen Page and Rihanna.

But, just like its film origins, the show deals with the nosebleedingly intense ambition all the young wannabes exude and the varied paths their pursuit of celebrity leads them down.

Opening with the iconic theme tune, a feature is made of the live band, which plays on an elevated platform in the middle of the stage, producing a sound so vibrant that it adds an almost gig-like dimension to the show.

Whereas the film and the subsequent series had a smattering of self-awareness, much of this production is High School Musical in its tone. Although the original character of Leroy was dangerous and edgy, in the rejuvenated tale, angry Tyrone (Alex Thomas) is about as menacing as you’d expect a bad boy ballet dancer to be, however much he indicates his ‘hood’ credentials. He is a graceful and powerful dancer though, and the sequence in which he leads the cast in a routine combining ballet and street dance is highly impressive.

A disappointment of the show (aside from the lack of leg-warmers) is the variation in the quality of American accents. Although they don’t always hit the mark, the likes of Jodie Steele (who plays Carmen Diaz) and Joseph Giacone (Joe Vegas) at least give it their all. Some of the actors sound as if they were only told the show was set in New York moments before they went on stage. How difficult can it be to cultivate a convincing American accent? Judging by this show it’s a challenge and one that needs to be addressed.

Just like the Fame stories of old, there is the battle of the teachers – in this instance, dance teacher Miss Bell (Hermione Lynch), who wants to nurture raw talent rather than worry about Tyrone’s reading skills, versus traditional Miss Sherman (Landi Oshinowo), who thinks an all-round education is essential. ‘The Teachers’ Argument’ song was a little wobbly in pitch on press night but it’s an engaging expression of the two contrasting professional viewpoints.

Aside from the questionable American accents, the cast is very strong, with actors such as Alexzandra Sarmiento playing a lead role – Grace ‘Lambchops’ Lamb – and still finding time to join the ensemble for a multitude of demanding dance routines. Comedy characters such as Mabel (Molly Stewart) are a hit with the audience, but two performances really stand out – the talented Steele is a wonderfully fragile Carmen, and takes every opportunity to display her powerful vocals, while Giacone is charismatic as the flirtatious Joe Vegas. His solo song, ‘Can’t Keep It Down’, is a highlight – well-acted, enthusiastic and highly amusing.

As the ultimate feelgood musical (aside from the sudden demise of one of the wannabes), Fame is a rather simple tale that probably resonates most profoundly with the actors on stage. For those in the audience, it’s an excuse to let our hair down and in this it succeeds. And it was nice to see Lynch put aside her teacher persona in the finale and really dance her heart out. After all that ‘hard work’, why not?

Catherine Usher

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