STAGE REVIEW: Fame - at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, from Monday, July 8 to Saturday, July 13, 2019.

THE elusive hopes of youngsters, and their parents, of glory and riches as a top entertainer is the very essence of this vibrant offering.

Push, push and trying that little bit harder, every which way, to get their offspring on the first rung of the ladder to fame and fortune is a story almost as old as the hills, but everyone knows that only a few ever make it up the pecking order and become household names.

For every great star that is born such as Barbra Dickson, Celine Dion, Michael Jackson and others of that ilk, there are hundreds, no thousands, who never make it in front of the camera or footlights either as a film/tv actor, solo artist, member of a pop group or a dance troupe.

But you have to have hope and ambition in life and Fame takes in all those aspirations of young talent at the Fame Academies. If that star is in the ranks it will be revealed to the world with hard work, some luck and being in the right place at the right time.

This popular musical has had seven runs in the West End showcasing many talents and this latest cast has a number of outstanding vocalists, actors, dancers and musicians.

Energetic and exciting for the many children in the audience it’s a show with oomph and pizazz!

There was one little glitch for a few minutes when a technical issue caused a bit of a problem with the stage curtain but the cast showed utter professionalism maintaining their concentration and continuing with the show.

Talent was in abundance throughout and deserving special mention are ex-Hollyoaks star Jorgie Porter as Iris. She has appeared in Dancing on Ice and I’m A Celebrity and her dancing skills were exceptional. Also well done Ryan Kayode who came in at the last minute to play Tyrone due to Jamal Kane-Crawford being indisposed.

But the big highlight of the night was provided by Mica Paris as the head of the academy, Miss Sherman.

Miss Sherman has a big heart when it comes to her students and her rendition of These Are My Children was phenomenal and brought the audience to its feet.

It’s a simple story and it had a simple but effective set but it really does pack a punch.

Youngsters seeking fame could see from this that fame will cost - and it’s when and where they will pay with plenty of sweat!

Fame has to be earned - that much is made pretty obvious.

This is one show which also fully earned an enthusiastic reception from its audience after all the sweat of a cast that put its heart and soul into the word 'entertainment'.

VRW