Fame: The Musical

Our school production of FAME last week was nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first note to the final curtain call, the energy, commitment, and passion on stage were electric. While the leads shone brilliantly, what truly elevated this production was the strength of the entire ensemble. Every performer brought precision, heart, and personality, creating a show that felt unified, dynamic, and alive.

The level of talent on display was astonishing, but even more impressive was the teamwork behind it. This was a cast that supported one another completely—on and off stage—and that spirit was felt in every scene, every dance number, and every harmony. The kindness, consideration, and mutual respect shown throughout the process were genuinely breathtaking and made the production as uplifting behind the scenes as it was for the audience.

FAME celebrates dedication, creativity, and hard work, and this production embodied all of those values beautifully. It was a powerful reminder of what young performers can achieve when talent is matched with generosity, hard work, and true collaboration. An unforgettable achievement for everyone involved.

THE REVIEWS ARE IN!!

FAME – 

Droylsden Academy

29th January 2026

This is now my fifth consecutive year visiting Droylsden Academy, for their annual musical spectacular. Following the huge success of Les Miserables, this year, once again under the fantastic artistic direction of 

Mrs Burgess, they present the 80s classic… FAME!

With a vast set of multi level platforms and screens, the stage was host to a huge cast of almost 70 students, which was an absolute joy in itself. 

In staging the opening audition scene, the ensemble enveloped the stage and created such an impactful image, whilst simultaneously there was such brilliant use of the screens, as they played recorded ‘audition’ footage to accompany the onstage action, which worked seamlessly with the impactful movement and vocals.

When the students split into ‘acting’, ‘dance’ and ‘music’ classes, the clever use of their colour pallet of costumes was an excellent visual and they were all so in sync, it was stunning.

The canteen scene and ‘There She Goes/Fame’ was a vibrant party, and the whole cast were invited. Every single person on the stage gave it their all, and never stopped throughout, always supporting each other and playing reactions throughout. The choreography was performed with energy, enthusiasm and utter joy! What a treat to witness, well done to everyone. 

Thomas Harrington as Nick Piazza played such an adorable character, really showcasing his emotions, and bravo, what fantastic vocals, especially in ‘I Want to Make Magic’ so thoughtful and emotion evoking and the reprise of ‘Let’s Play a Love Scene’ was just beautiful. 

Alongside Thomas, Hanna Phillips was brilliantly suited to the role of Serena, giving an assured performance of the cute and impressionable actress, with truly show-stopping vocals; ‘Think of Meryl Streep’ was absolutely stunning, I was blown away. 

Olivia Deakin was every bit goofy and comical as failed dancer, turned actress, Mabel. But contrary to the script, this girl sure could dance, and wow… what a vocal! ‘Mabel’s Prayer’ truly took us to church and back… bravo!

More fantastic performances supported the action from Rayah Norris, as Lambchops, with strong presence and confident sass. Cate Roberts delivered a lovely and suitably awkward character as Schlomo, with a nice voice and portraying a believable relationship with Carmen. 

Holly Taylor was excellently poised as Iris Kelly, playing nicely alongside Tyrone and what a fantastic dancer, a great performance. 

Riley Brown was really likeable and comical as Goody, really playing well alongside Schlomo and Lambchops, giving some light and funny moments, and he clearly loved driving that taxi in the finale!

Leyla Francis had a great attitude as 

Joe Vegas, and ‘Can’t Keep It Down’ was highly energetic and comical. Leyla’s presence, energy and movement was excellent, her melodramatic comedy and expression brought great humour to the proceedings… well done! 

Stephanie Sargaco was absolutely believable as Tyrone Jackson, bringing that authentic New York energy and swagger. Stephanie had a fantastic presence and was an excellent dancer, leading ‘Dancin’ on the Sidewalk’ with ease, which was a fantastic highlight, with excellent choreography and energetic delivery. 

As wanna be star, Carmen Diaz, Mia Pearce had all the presence in bucketloads. 

Her characterisation was feisty, sassy and full of confidence. Absolutely knock-out vocals, and real grit. ‘In L.A’ was totally raw and emotional, and completely believable, what a performance, well done. 

As for the Faculty, the cast was gifted with four fantastically talented young ladies. 

Taali Allikmaa was brilliantly eccentric as Mrs Myers, bringing a calm, and almost ethereal presence, and so truly believable as a Dramatist. 

Lacie Nevins was great as hard-faced 

Mr Sheinkopf, performing a great character. Her brilliant accent and fantastic expressions provided some funny moments for the audience, well done. 

Olivia Dennerley was very poised and refined as Dance teacher Miss Bell. The ‘Teacher’s Argument’ was so powerful and brought real emotion, and wow, those voices absolutely soared together, bravo!

As head honcho, Miss Sherman, 

Grace Lawton gave a sensational performance, way beyond her years. 

Grace had such a commanding presence, right from the opening scene and was completely believable as a grown woman and authoritarian figure. ‘These Are My Children’ was a personal highlight and Grace gave such a soulful and raw performance…Wow!

I absolutely loved the poignant Graduation scene and the black and white accompanying footage you had cut together. It was so fitting, giving such a taste for how much love, heart and soul went into this process and performance overall! Also so incredible to see such a vast list of students participating and assisting as set, backstage and technical crew too. No show can take place without this support, well done everyone.

What a show! This performance will surely stay with you all…forever! 

Well done one and all! 

Matthew Gavin

Read the Tameside Reporter review HERE

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