Fame at The Bristol Hippodrome

Posted on: 2014-05-28

Our rating:

This play is nothing short of hugely uplifting and energetic, optimistic and fun, and the actors' genuine appreciation and enjoyment of one another really shone through.


 

FAME, the production showing this week at the Bristol Hippodrome, is a musical theatre adaptation of the hit 1980 film by David de Silva. The two share similarities but are mostly quite different, sharing the same basic themes, and of course that notorious theme song.

The 2014 theatre production, directed by Gary Lloyd, tells the story of a group of young people auditioning for a high school of performing arts, which they nickname “P.A.”, in New York City. The plot follows them in their development as actors, singers and dancers, and the experiences they go through during their time at the school.

**Click to Buy your Fame tickets from The Bristol Hippodrome website**

The main character is Carmen Diaz, played by Jodie Steele, who somehow doesn't take the school as seriously as her fellow pupils, and aspires for bigger things all at once. Despite being the main character, Carmen doesn't dominate the entire plot, with about eight additional secondary main characters who all hold major storylines throughout the play as well as Carmen, making for a good amount of variety and balance, without being overcomplicated.

The play introduces us to the characters through their auditions, and consequent reactions to having been selected for P.A, and gradually we are introduced more intimately to the main characters through duet or solo songs and scenes through which we learn about their individual personalities, struggles and relationships within the school.

Fame the Musical at The Bristol Hippodrome

Through these storylines important issues are addressed throughout the play, such as the issue of discrimination, Mabel's difficulties with weight, Tyrone's difficulties with illiteracy, and some discussion of homosexuality too. It is very much a modernised version of the film, with technology, current issues, more modern fashion, and more relevant references incorporated into this 2014 adaptation.

The vocal and dance talents of all the actors is perfection, with many a power ballad and equally many an energetic piece of choreographed dance throughout the nearly three hour performance (including interval).

A small but noticeable addition to this play, but one that added a lot to the whole on-stage appearance of the show, was the fact that the live band was situated on the highest level of the stage throughout the entirety of the performance, rather than hidden away in the usual orchestral pit. This allowed for the actors to continually interact with the musicians, walking along that level, and including the musicians in their acting as if they were music students at the High School of Performing Arts too.

The music was dramatic, typical to the theatre genre that it is, but often incorporating fusions of other genres too such as hip-hop, dub-step and classical where relevant; not daring to miss out the familiar chords of the theme song, several times leading into the theme song itself. And the music is of course what really draws the audience in to the whole setting and rousing mood of the play, bringing with it a performance by the entire cast right at the very end, led by Carmen Diaz's actress Jodie Steele, raising us all to our feet to join in the fun they were clearly all enjoying on stage.

This play is nothing short of hugely uplifting and energetic, optimistic and fun, and the actors' genuine appreciation and enjoyment of one another really shone through. All who came out, left FAME feeling jolly and chatty, filling the city centre with a cheerful buzz as we all left the Hippodrome, one that mightn't normally be there on a Tuesday evening.

5/5

Reviewed by Maria Skinner for 365Bristol

Fame is showing at The Bristol Hippodrome from 27-31 May 2014



Article by:

James Anderson

Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.