It’s 1980, and we’re in Manhattan, New York. A city that thrives with clamour in every hour; but amidst the worries of the outside world is the High School of Performing Arts. The newest cohort – less than a hundred accepted against four thousand applicants – get ready to be tried harder in music, dance and drama than they ever have before, while still being diligent with their ‘regular’ studies. On top of that, they face the stress of coming-of-age; first loves and the losses thereof, learning difficulties in traditional education, and diversity in the arts.
FAME originated as a motion picture in 1980, directed by Alan Parker and written by Christopher Gore. Then, a television show was born, airing from ‘82 to ‘87. It evolved into a musical and professionally debuted in Florida in 1988. In 1995, it graced Theatre Royal Plymouth’s stage in its European debut before moving on to the West End. Since then, it has been performed internationally. Now, in 2026, it comes back to Theatre Royal Plymouth in a full-circle moment that only serves to highlight its core message of achieving dreams with imaginative vigour. (For those concerned about seeing FAME without absorbing any/all of its predecessors, fear not. The current run doesn’t rely on a pre-existing expertise.)
Theatre Royal Plymouth constantly does an exemplar job of highlighting its creatives and the work they do for their shows, from the spark of creation to the culmination of it all on stage. The love for FAME in all of its mediums translates sincerely in every element of the show.
In its convincing staging; utilising both the revolving stage and a miraculous set that folded inwards and outwards, we were teleported swiftly from the high school’s classrooms to the vastness of the outside world seamlessly. Constructed at TR2 – Theatre Royal Plymouth’s Production and Learning Centre – allowed necessary space for larger dance numbers while also being able to transform to smaller, more intimate scenes. The dress and hair choices for each character were pointedly thoughtful, ensuring that, within an ensemble cast, everybody gets highlighted and explored. The musical and choreographic direction, making sure every character’s passion for the arts not just shone through but burst forth. The cast, who showed their amazing stamina with a range of dance while not once vocally faltering.
Standouts were Shanay Holmes as Miss Sherman; her heart-wrenching voice was a solid match for the intense teacher, whose care for her students translated to strictness. Shoko Ito’s flawless ballet in the role of Iris Kelly had me consistently wondering how a single person conducts passion into such light, graceful movements (the answer – unwavering discipline). Amonik Melaco as Tyrone Jackson precisely communicated the heart laying below rage, excitement, and grief, all while executing fascinating dance moves that were the fascinating intersection of ballet and contemporary dancing. The list goes on, and the entire team deserves raucous applause.
1980 and 2026 are 46 years apart, but, from when FAME’s original motion picture released to now, the sentiments of celebrating creativity and following your calling ring true. FAME still captures that magical spirit that keep the themes current. Additionally, Theatre Royal Plymouth’s continued, intense focus on honouring their creative teams and their actors, from the TR2 workshop to their Young Company, give even more sincere to an already touching – with smartly placed comedic relief – show. It was a classic in 1980 and it remains so now.
Show running – 05 Aug–15 Aug 2026 – Tickets Here
Review By Jonah Zalick #OnePlymouth
Photo Credit: Johan Persson via Theatre Royal Plymouth
