Reader Reviews
Fame - the Musical (Aldwych Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | For the past four months I have sat in a dark hovel infected with lurid thoughts and dangerous anxieties. I approached the point where the mind says enough, go out, do something. I decided to retire to my favourite of past times the theatre's. Whilst walking through the dank streets of London I come across a poster filled with colour proclaiming the word FAME! This set off an almost religious fervour, this is it salvation. I instantly purchased m ticket and arrived at my seat with seconds to spare and then it started. Oh my brothers and sisters how can one explain the depths of hell, watching this reminded me of what the persecuted must have felt in Spain at the time of the inquisition. You dont need to read Milton, glimpse this but I warn you, not for too long, around me sat many members of the public enthralled, surely the prime minister must know of this brain washing. Needless to say I am back in my hovel and have not been out since. - 80.47.76.76) | 26 Apr 06 |
| Vibrant, young, the dancing was superb, ok maybe the accents were a bit 'iffy' but overall I applaud strongly the young cast for a marvellous 2 hrs 20 mins and the finale - oh wow!!!! - 80.3.64.12) | 05 Mar 06 |
| Interesting to note how the audience perks up when the "Fame" theme is introduced in the middle of one of a plethora of undistinguished numbers! This hyperactive, derivative, dated show trades on the name of a wonderful film and a much-loved (if tacky) TV series without ever once matching its source. However, Karen Bruce's slick production is alot better than the one that opened at the Cambridge over 10 yrs ago; the present cast must take much of the credit for this, performing the material with gusto, skill and, frankly, rather more respect than it deserves! True, there's not much subtlety around but Melanie Marshall's teacher has a magnificent voice, despite being saddled with a Goddawful song ("THESE are my chilDREN! And I thank GOD for choosing MEEEEEEEEEE!"-aaaaaaaaaaargh); Ricky Rojas' libidinous Latino student is a delight, despite looking at least 30!; best of all are Stephen Ashfield (completely unrecognisable from his last W/end outing as Boy George in Taboo!) and Jodie Jacobs as a pair of best-friend drama students. They are simply adorable: funny, touching and with utterly wonderful voices. Both are genuine star material. There are some rousing dance numbers also. If you want to see a musical and can't get into anything else, this'll do:one just hopes that the aforementioned cast members will get something more worthy of their talents soon. - 195.82.123.181) | 18 Feb 06 |
| This is a fantastic show, it explodes with energy and performance. it's slightly different to the film but that is to be expected. the dancers were beautiul and exciting to watch and the singing was fabulous especially Stephen Ashfield who has a voice like an angel. Whoever said “It was the worst production I've ever sat through, and that's including junior high and high school. How it's still in business is beyond me. 30 pounds down the drain” has absolutely no Idea what they are talking about and obviously cannot appreciate the hours of rehearsal and the amount of effort that goes into a production like this. It was one of the best performances I have ever had the fortune of seeing. It truly made my day, I was buzzing about it all evening. Well done to the cast of FAME!!!! - 80.195.239.113) | 03 Feb 06 |
| I'd score it lower if I could. Anyone who rates this high is high. The dialog and songs have been redone and it's much, much worse than you can possible imagine. The only recognizable song, "Fame", was reworked and sounded horrible. Combine all this with a band consisting of a synthesizer, electric guitar and drums, the volume so loud I worried about permanent ear damage, and choreography that didn't highlight the dancers' talents. It was the worst production I've ever sat through, and that's including junior high and high school. How it's still in business is beyond me. - 138.178.8.2) | 28 Nov 05 |
| I went along on Monday evening to see the new cast, fantastic! There are some wonderful voices, Stephen Ashfield in particular. I agree with previous comments, go along with an open mind and I don't think you'll be disappointed. Excellent! - 195.92.109.217) | 29 Sep 05 |
| Truly appalling show. It has nothing to do with the great film original. Why, they even cut the verse of the title song, and they don't even play "I sing the Body Electric." Utter piffle - disappointing and aggravating. So many good songs lost; so much rubbish preserved. Fuhgeddaboudit! - 81.103.145.28) | 06 Jul 05 |
| dance dynamic, full of energy and soul, bit of a bismul story but the dancing and music brings it to life packed with feel good songs. - 81.148.24.182) | 05 Jul 05 |
| It isn't at all like the film, it is better. No, it doesn't have the greatest storyline and yes it is a tad cheesy but so what? It is a fun and entertaining evening and you will leave the theatre singing and bursting with energy, wishing you could dance on the car as they did. - 81.159.141.17) | 21 May 05 |
| Terrible show. Went thinking it would be like the film/series & we'd be singing along to Starmaker etc. Nothing prepared us for the dismal show we witnessed. Thank goodness that on the night we went, they had someone on the side of the stage signing for a group of deaf people - she was amazing & we watched her more than the actors. If we'd known it wasn't really based on the original, we wouldn't have gone, or at least, would have been prepared for what we saw. I feel it is misrepresented to call it FAME. Now we know why the matinee audience came out looking glum, like us, they were no doubt expecting nostalgia. All songs were forgetable, the acting was lame & hammy. To wait until the very end for 'Fame' to be sung was torture, and even then, the microphone stopped working!! Justice methinks! - 81.130.64.159) | 10 May 05 |
| I saw Fame a while ago now but have only just got round to writing a review. It was amazing. That's the best word I can think to use to describe it. Just don't go with the expectation that it's going to be like the film/TV series-it's not. Go with an open mind and be prepared for an energetic roller coaster ride that explores the feelings and emotions of budding performers. The songs, the dancing...all of it is outstanding! Anyone who slates the performers should actually try singing the songs, then they might appreciate the level of talent that has to be present in order to pull this musical off. Also, singing and dancing at the same time is a combined skill that takes a lot of effort to get right-as a performing arts student myself I would know! I would encourage everyone to see Fame, not just people who are interested in performing arts-the feeling you get when leaving the theatre is one that once experienced, is not easily forgotten. You really do leave thinking that you can 'make a difference.' Truly inspirational- go see it! - 62.255.32.13) | 01 Apr 05 |
| Why, why, why? This show is just dreadful and should not be on in the West End. Despite good performances from Miss Sherwood and Carmen, this show sucked. The understudy for Serena could not even sing in tune...... Shameful. - 195.93.21.101) | 09 Mar 05 |
| We really enjoyed Fame. Fantastic cast with awesome singers. It rocks! - 217.44.177.36) | 16 Jan 05 |
| I've seen plenty of amateure versions of 'Fame', and enjoyed them so much I thought I'd better go and see the professionals at work...but i shouldn't have bothered: doing regular performances of such a simple show must suck the energy and enthusiasm out of the cast. It reminded me of kareoke. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.254.0.34) | 16 Jul 04 |
| This show is the most sensational and breath-taking show i have ever seen! the energy is dynamite and the performers are amazing and so talented! the musical far outweighs the film by miles, this musical puts the film 2 shame in my opinion! fame gives me a great adrenalin rush everytime i see it and i never want it to end! i have been 5 times now n it gets better everytime! i defo wanna be in it wen im older! IT'S GONNA LIVE 4EVER! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 01 Jun 04 |
| It totally rocks! Keeps you on the end of your seat if your into dancing and cool music. It's def. a musical for..teenagers/20/30ers! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.45.237.179) | 11 Apr 04 |
| wen i saw fame i thought dat it was absolutely brilliant. dat's the sort of musical that i would like to be in and i'd b proud of myself if i got dat far. i wud definetely luv 2 go and c it again - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.64.202.100) | 01 Mar 04 |
| A wonderful performance. The best ever seen. Well done to all the characters as they have made this perform of art come alive. They have played their characteristics very well. I would have wanted to be part of this spectaculous performance. I would hopefully be coming to the auditions. Very well done again and hope to see you all soon at the West End. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.178.214.64) | 06 Oct 03 |
| Its f**kin borin - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.178.214.64) | 06 Oct 03 |
| When the energy kicks in it really does! The choreography scenes are brilliant and the ending with the "Fame" song certainly had everyone up and dancing. But the rest seemed to drag, I agree with a previous comment. It was all rushed, nothing seemed to flow..when it came to actual storylines the only one I was really interested in was the rebel. If you get an offer on a ticket maybe you should go see it and judge for yourself, but it's not in my top list! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.132.63.228) | 31 Aug 03 |
| NO STARS. The WORST show ive ever seen...a terrible talentless mess. for teenage girls with low standards only. go see my fair lady for a proper musical. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.13) | 17 Aug 03 |
| Sorry, but how can that show be called FAME. It was awful, if I had not been with a large group of people I would have left 20 mins in to it. Where was all the Fame music??????? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.134.56.63) | 25 Jul 03 |
| Sorry folks, but this wont do. Where are all those great songs? The poor cast struggle their way through an adaptation of a classic. The only song that remains from the original film/tv show is FAME, which you have to wait 'till the very end for...by which time I was asleep. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.134.56.63) | 25 Jul 03 |
| Fas nothing as it looks and defitnatley does not compae to the film . he show does have some great dancing and some catchy songs but the best one still has to be fame . te story is a little rushed n stupid in my opininon each act goes through two years it is too short and rushed its a case of a few words song a few wrds song if you get my jist also some of those jokes just arent funy any more there atually quite foolish and stupid i do love most the songs and acnes but the story is a little perthetic i wont be seeing it again - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.50.14) | 12 Jul 03 |
| There are so many wonderful things to say about Fame- the Musical, but to sum it up I would choose this word: Inspirational. The energy from the stage is simply magical. Fantastic, dynamic dance routines together with angelic songs really differ this show from other musicals. The current cast, a group of young, fresh and breath-takingly talented performers, never fail to live up to your expectations. Prepare to be taken on the fastest roller-coaster ride you have even been on! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.131.1.2) | 17 Jun 03 |
