Home > Current Buzz > FAME Shines at the Swan in Wycomb UK
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Popular musical Fame to shine at the Swan

July 2010
By Rebecca Cain

WITH ankle warmers, sweat bands and leggings galore Fame will explode on-stage at the Wycombe Swan performed by the theatre's youth project.

Each year the Wycombe Swan Summer Youth project gathers gifted teenagers and children from the area to bring them on stage to showcase their talent.

This year the popular and high energy musical Fame, which is set in the 80s, has been chosen bringing songs to the stage which have stood the test of time.

The story follows students at New York's Performing Arts as they get to grips with life and relationships.

It features well-know musical theatre songs Hard Work, Bring on Tomorrow and the catchy title song, Fame.

Suzie Aries, from Princes Risborough, is playing shy and timid Serena Katz. She said: “I was gobsmacked when I heard I had got the part.

“I auditioned for My Fair Lady a few years before in the character chorus. There were so many girls there that had such great voices. It is the biggest part in a big show I have ever played.”

This year Suzie will start at the Theatre Arts School Italia Conti where she will commute everyday.

She added: “When I heard they were auditioning for Fame I went along as I love the musical. I love the songs, the bright colours and I am looking forward to rehearsals.”

Lydia Blackburn, 17, from Chesham is playing Mabel Washington and Josh Brown, 17, from High Wycombe will play Joe Vegas.

They said most people came to the auditions knowing exactly which characters they wanted to play so were delighted when they got their coveted parts.

Josh said: “Joe Vegas is hilarious and very rude. It just gives me an excuse to be rude in front of lots of people.”

He added: “I have had the best time of my life. You make friends so easily when you do the project. You go from knowing nobody to knowing everyone.”

Lydia said: “This is what I want to do. I want to be in the West End. As well as being amazing I have made some fantastic friends.”

The show will run while the theatre is being refurbished which is being completed in stages.

Lydia said Fame is well known to a lot of the cast and they feel they can connect with their characters. She said: “Like Mabel I personally feel she has the potential but doesn't know what to do with it.

“We both remember Fame from watching it at an early age and it is exciting. I love the fashion- my wardrobe is practically full of 80s clothes anyway.”

Behind the scenes Ben Charleston who is part of the technical crew is celebrating after winning a bursary to the Guildford School of Acting.

The 18-year-old from Hughenden Valley has been awarded the bursary worth £24,500 in a Professional Production Course and will start this year.

Fame, The Musical is at the Wycombe Swan from August 5- 7 at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets range from £10.50- £16 available from 01494512000 or book online at www.wycombeswan.co.uk

 

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