Taking place for a 17th time, The Alexandra’s Stage Experience sees the best of the West Midlands’ young theatrical talent (ages nine to 24) spending two weeks of their summer holiday working alongside a professional creative team to put on a full-scale production.

This year’s show is Fame The Musical, a work of theatre that’s been captivating audiences and critics alike for 30 years. Based on the 1980 pop culture film of the same name (well, minus ‘The Musical’ bit), the story follows students of New York’s School For The Performing Arts through their struggles, fears and triumphs - both on and off the stage - as they navigate the worlds of music, drama and dance alongside the normal trials and tribulations of growing up. 

The show highlights issues many young people are still struggling with today, such as prejudice, identity, sexuality, love and substance misuse.

Taking a quote from the dance teacher in the 1980s’ TV series which followed on from the film: “You’ve got big dreams? You want fame? Well, fame costs! And right here is where you start paying - in sweat!” The goal of the 60 talented young individuals who participated in The Alexandra's Stage Experience was to create a show that was in every way as professional, polished and involving as any other production presented by the venue - and they too will have paid for this not-to-be-missed opportunity ‘in sweat’! 

This was a wonderfully vibrant performance brimming with exceptional talent and enthusiasm. The vocals, the dances and all the participants were fabulous! They certainly did ‘light up the sky like a flame!’ with their joyous energy throughout the show.

Lend your support to these gifted young stars of the future by grabbing yourself a ticket for one of the remaining performances. 

Four stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull at The Alexandra, Birmingham on Thursday 25 August. Fame The Musical continues to show at the theatre until Saturday 27 August.