MUSCOM's Fame - Impressive, Outstanding, Exuberant

MUSCOM graced the Wolverhampton Grand stage tonight as they presented the 1980s musical, Fame. Based on the film of the same name, the story follows a group of performing arts students as they navigate their way through high school.

The impressive, tiered staging provided the perfect setting for slick scene changes and worked well in the large ensemble numbers, adding a variety of levels.

One of the most outstanding elements of the night was the incredibly well executed choreography, under the more than capable direction of Denise Robinson. I should add that she also the very talented director and producer of the show!

Superb performances came from the whole cast, and under the musical direction of James Maddison, there were fabulous harmonies throughout, which built up to the rousing finale of Bring on Tomorrow.

Fame hungry Carmen was excellently played by Georgia Hudson, feisty and fierce she was well cast in the role. Liam Sargeant was equally brilliant as the 'too cool for school' Joe Vegas, especially in the uproarious number Can't Keep It Down.

Laura Canadine was a scene stealer as Mabel, captivating the audience with her hilarious facial expressions. It really does go to show that even without lines you can still steal a scene. She also exuberantly belted out Mabel's Prayer which was a particular highlight of the night.

Triple threat, Jason Guest, encompassed all that I admire in a theatre performer, exquisite dancing, good vocals and engrossing acting. Alongside this, there were particularly admirable performances from Jess Olford as Serena Katz and Luke Bennett as Nick Piazza.

Colette Forsyth received one of the warmest receptions of the night as she took centre stage in These Are My Children. A vocal powerhouse, she was greeted with a whooping, rapturous applause at the end.

The tireless effort of the entire cast and creative team was abundantly clear and MUSCOM should be more than proud of what they have achieved.

Fame plays at Wolverhampton Grand until Saturday 19 March.