Droylsden Academy played host to 'Fame: The Musical' this week and made it what every piece of musical theatre should be. With this being a school production, the ages stemmed from 11 to 16 – but from experiencing these performances first had, you’d bet that some of these starlets have been doing this all their lives.
Fame is not an easy show to convey. Different character arcs and different storylines crossing each other means that each performer must clearly understand their purpose in the show and these kids delivered this on a level I was never expecting. With this being a youth production but battling some adult themes, there had to be a level of maturity to make this real. These young actors delivered on such a detailed level and should all be very proud of themselves.
This was a massive cast too, with 65 children involved, but as an ensemble they clearly formed a formidable team, and it showed throughout as this story was put across with passion and excitement – bravo to all involved.
Before we get into the performances that make this show so special. A hat tip must go to Alex Burgess (Miss Burgess if any students are reading!) It is not very often a teacher will put so much time, effort and love into engaging young people into developing any aspect of theatre and full-scale performance. This was my first sighting of what Droylsden Academy can offer in terms of shows, and you can see just how much Miss B and the team care and what to give these young people a platform and a spotlight. It’s truly wonderful to see and shows that theatre will be going strong for many many years to come.
Now I want to point out some soon-to-be megastars. Everyone in the show did a great job, and some I can only say the sky is the limit.
I’ll start with character actors, and two people who had one of the most difficult tasks in theatre. Leyla Francis (15) and Cate Roberts (14). These two young girls had the difficult task of completely changing themselves to become male characters if you will. Starting with Layla, who embodied Joe Vegas. This part needs the physicality and the humour mixed in with stage presence that makes you want to see them on stage again, and she NAILED IT. A real highlight in this show, and she should be proud. As too should Cate Roberts, quite the opposite to the Joe Vegas character, in playing the shy, slightly awkward but lovable Schlomo. This part, when done correctly, will win an audience over in seconds and that’s exactly what Roberts did – I noticed she never stopped acting in ensemble scenes too, not once, and that is so difficult to master for the best of people and it seemed so effortless. What a great singing voice too from both girls! A hat tip in the portrayal of a male part too goes to Stephanie Sargaco, playing Tyrone. Great rhythm and comedy timing made the Tyrone cameos really good fun!
Obviously, singing is a huge part of musical theatre and Fame as a show. A fact absolutely taken in the stride of Hannah Phillips (16), Grace Lawton (14) and Olivia Dennerley (14). Age is nothing when you can perform and sing like that! Hannah had such a lovely character and matched it with a great rendition of ‘Let’s play a love scene’ which was just beautiful to watch and listen to. No section of Serena’s story was missed – Great job! One of the songs of the show belongs to Grace Lawton. Wow. ‘These are my children’ So much maturity in the performance of Miss Sherman was amazing to watch and that song had so much passion and grace it was impossible to take your eyes off her. Her talent was matched in ‘Teachers argument’ with Olivia Dennerly playing Miss Bell. A really great singing voice matched the kind temperament of the Miss Bell character, performances to remember indeed!
I was drawn to a particular performance that really exploded in act 2. Olivia Deakin (16), playing Mabel Washington. Olivia looked like she was living her best life throughout this whole show. Non-stop performing coupled with great dancing and a fantastic singing voice. ‘Mabel’s Prayer’ was belted out with so much sass and intensity – I looked at my plus one with wide eyes and simply said ‘wow, she’s going places’ and I hope that is the case because I think in years to come, we will see Olivia Deakin’s name in some high places. A personal favourite and I will be looking out for her in the future on stage.
Finally, with no beats missed – the pinnacle of this show and a truly professional star in the making, Mia Pearce (16) playing Carmen Diaz. Never before have I seen with my own eyes, someone so young with so much talent. The whole environment changed when she entered, and Mia made this show her own. Amazing dance numbers coupled with some truly brilliant acting. There was constant development in everything she did. From the mean girl going places, to the drug fuelled low life right to the end, there was so many smart choices made by Pearce and it amazes me how someone so young has such stage awareness and maturity. Then the songs! Fame is not easy to sing – but for Mia? Light work. Every note was hit and encapsulated everything about this show. However, that’s not the song to focus on. ‘In L.A’ was perfect and worth the price of 10 tickets alone, maybe worth every ticket. Not just vocally but performance wise. Mia showed vulnerability and pain and used that to power out a song that even the best of musical theatre performance would struggle to convey. Mia Pearce, remember the name. And from one performer to another – don’t stop, the sky is truly the limit!
I can’t believe the standard set by a high school performance. I always wonder who the next wave of young performers are and how they will impact the arts, whether it’s professional or in the amdram circuit which lives strong in this area – but if Fame is anything to go by, it looks like it’s in very safe hands.
A wonderful performance by all – A very bright future is ahead of these young stars.
