Review: Fame The Musical at The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent*

Fame! I’m gonna live forever…I’m gonna learn how to fly high…the Award Winning theme song to Fame was ringing in my ears as we headed off to The Regent Theatre  in Stoke-on-Trent to watch the opening night for Fame the Musical.  Based on the 1980s pop culture film which was released by MGM, the musical just like the film is set in New York City and around the lives of students attending the High School of Performing Arts and the shares various issues which confront them.  The use of on the screen projectors to show the year as well as a fantastic background of layered typical eighties yearbook with bright neon lights which light up and changes colour was interesting.  The additions of props such as the chalkboard which also doubles up as a ballet mirror as well as the usage of the locker to note the inside of the high school and the fence prop (to indicate that they were outside of the school) was cleaver as well.

What we thought of the play

The first half of the show shares about the lives of the enthusiastic students of achieving it big in the world of showbiz be it in the field of dancing, music or singing. The show opens up with Mica Paris’s soulful voice, who plays Miss Sherman. If you think you recognise her voice then you probably remember her song My One Temptation from her 1988 platinum selling album So Good.  She has an amazing singing voice and you must watch out for her performance of These are my Children in the second half of the show.

I totally love Jorgie Porter who played Iris the ballet protegee, although she did not have a huge script in the play, her flawless and graceful dance moves were amazing to watch. Jamal Kane Crawford who plays Tyrone certainly had grooves while Stephanie Rojas who plays Carmen has a powerful vocal and strong stage presence.  You just have to love Keith Jack who plays Nick who wanted to prove himself as an actor as well as Molly McGuire who plays shy Serena. There was also lots of comedy injected into the show, and one main cast who had the audience in hysterics (with his slightly crude one-liner jokes) was Albery Brookes who plays Joe.  A special mention goes out to Alexander Zane (playing Goody), Louisa Beadel (playing Lambchops) as well as Tom Mussell (who stood in for Simon Anthony and played Schlomo) who not only danced and sang but played musical instruments as well.

I love how the second half of the show not only celebrates the romances and heartbreaks but also touches on sensitive topics such as discovering their true identity, acknowledging literacy, sexuality, drug substance abuse as well as perseverance.  The amazing cast keep the crowd entertained with their energetic dance routines which have been beautifully choreographed by Nick Winston who is also the Director.  There is a lot of vibrant lights, funky sounds and retro colours added to give you the 80s vibe.  Fame the Musical is such a great dance show especially for fans of the original movie but due to the volume of the cast, I was left slightly feeling that there was something missing at the end.  Nevertheless, who would have thought a film which started nearly 40 years ago continues to be one of the best-loved musicals across the world.  Thanks to Selladoor Productions and The Regent Theatre, we had the opportunity to experience the musical which closed with all the cast dancing to the Oscar-winning title song Fame, and audiences encouraged to get up on their feet to dance as well. What a night to remember!

Cast
Jorgie Porter – Iris
Jamal Crawford – Tyrone
Stephanie Rojas – Carmen
Albey Brookes – Joe
Hayley Johnston – Mabel
Tom Mussel – Schlomo (replacing Simon Anthony)
Alexander Zane – Goody
Louisa Beadel – Lambchops
Mica Paris – Miss Sherman
Katie Warsop – Miss Bell & Resident Choreographer
Cameron Johnson – Mr Myers & Resident Director
Duncan Smith – Mr Scheinkopf

How much do the tickets cost?
Tickets are priced from £12 to £49.50

How do I book tickets to watch Fame?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7649 or by visiting ATG’s website here.

How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The show which has a running time of 2 hours and 30 minutes (including interval) opened on Monday,  15 April and will run until Saturday, 20 April 2019. Evening shows are at 7.30pm while matinee shows will be at 2.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday.  Please check ATG’s website for full details on timings.

Where is The Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke?
Piccadilly
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP
Tel: 08448717649

About Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.

Tips / Information

• Parking is ample either around the public car parks close to The Regent, but do check the rules. Some parking lots might need you to pay even at night. We parked up at intu Potteries and that cost us £1 (its fixed rate after 6pm).
• Programme Booklets are usually on sale for £5, full details of the show and cast members are featured on it.
• The Regent is a beautiful theatre with ornate decor and traditional seating. It has plenty of performances out throughout the year and lots of variety
• On arrival at the theatre there are nine steps leading from the front doors to the foyer. There is a small lift suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
• There is lift access to all levels from the foyer (with an audible announcer)
• There is an infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium
• Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and water is provided for them on request
• Accessible toilets are available

About Selladoor Productions

Selladoor Worldwide started life back in 2009 when they were known as Sell a Door Theatre Company producing one-nighters around the UK. Since then, they have gone on to develop rapidly under co-founders David Hutchinson (Executive Creative Producer) and Phillip Rowntree (Executive Commercial Producer) becoming an integral part of the regional theatre landscape both at home in the UK and Ireland, and ever increasingly further afield as they develop their international touring arm.  From the very outset, their aim has been to make accessible work for all audiences, with their experience at the heart of our work and artistic planning. They principally aim to engage young and adult audiences, along with first-time attendees, encouraging the next generation of theatre goers by providing dynamic and diverse productions. In conjunction with this, they remain committed to their education programmes, providing comprehensive education packs and workshops to visiting school groups, and support their productions with original content on their social media platforms to provide audiences with the fullest experience of their shows possible.

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Review: The Lady Vanishes at The Regent Theatre

Review: Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Beauty and The Beast at The Lowry Theatre

Review: Horrible Histories – Awful Egyptians Live on Stage

Photo Credit: Regent Theatre