Fame The Musical – Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fame The Musical – Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre

Lichfield Garrick

Wednesday 25th March 2026 – Opening Night

By Tracey Spare

Photography – Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre

For those of a certain age, the very mention of Fame The Musical instantly evokes leg warmers, sweatbands and the unforgettable journey of young performers chasing their dreams in New York’s High School of Performing Arts — and this latest production by Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre captures that spirit brilliantly.

This energetic and ambitious staging charts the students’ journey from audition through to graduation, navigating the highs, lows and relentless demands of life in the performing arts. It’s a show that naturally calls for a large, versatile company — and here, that depth of talent is one of its greatest strengths.

At the heart of the production are the principal performers portraying the recognisable characters of Nick Piazza (Ollie Clay), Serena Katz (Imogen Willis), Joe Vegas (Zach Andrews), Tyrone Jackson (Connor Orchard), Carmen Diaz (Molly Darby), Iris Kelly (Romelly Collier) and Mabel Washington (Isabella Hamilton) — each bringing focus, character and confidence to their roles. Vocally strong and emotionally grounded, these performances anchor the production with real credibility.

However, what truly elevates this show is the ensemble — the “Class of 2026” students — whose presence is felt in every moment. Whether filling the stage with tightly choreographed routines or supporting the narrative through movement and atmosphere, they deliver an impressive sense of scale. At times, with over thirty performers on stage, the coordination, energy and discipline on display is remarkable.

The choreography is sharp and dynamic, reflecting the intensity of a performing arts environment, while the musical numbers are delivered with both power and sincerity. There’s a clear sense that this is a company fully committed to the material — and crucially, enjoying every moment of it. Any hint of opening night nerves is absent, replaced with confidence and cohesion.

Behind the scenes, the production is steered with precision by Director Patrick Jervis, supported by Musical Director Oliver Rowe and Choreographer Jessica Bennett, whose combined vision brings clarity and pace to an otherwise demanding production.

The backstage and technical teams also deserve huge recognition. From lighting (Stephen Rainsford) and sound (Sam Burkinshaw) to costumes, props and stage management, every element contributes to a slick, well-executed performance that feels both professional and polished.

A particular highlight is the live orchestra, led by Oliver Rowe, whose musicianship adds depth and authenticity throughout — elevating the production beyond expectation for youth theatre.

The audience response on the night spoke volumes. A packed house — filled with proud families, friends and local theatre lovers — responded warmly throughout, culminating in a rousing finale as the full cast returned in glittering costumes to reprise the iconic title track Fame. It’s a moment of pure theatrical joy and a fitting celebration of everything the show represents.

This is a production that doesn’t just showcase emerging talent — it celebrates it. A vibrant, high-energy, and thoroughly enjoyable evening of theatre that proves Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre continues to go from strength to strength.

Performances continue throughout the week at The Garrick Theatre, with evening shows and a Saturday matinee available.

Lichfield Operatic Society – Any Goes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Anything Goes – Lichfield Operatic Society

Lichfield Garrick

Tuesday 8th April 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Lichfield Operatic Society have done themselves proud. Anything Goes, this year’s production of choice, is a superb showcase of rich talent and enduring passion. Overseen by the Director Patrick Jervis, the production is confident, powerful and brimming with enthusiasm and joy.

It is also packed classics: I Get a Kick Out of You; You’re the Top; It’s De-Lovely.

Set on an ocean liner the SS American, bound from New York to London, Anything Goes follows the madcap antics of those on board. Central is Billy Crocker, a charming young stowaway who has fallen in love with wealthy heiress Hope Harcourt (played by Ellie Johnstone), who is already engaged to an English aristocrat Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (played by Connor Brooks). Billy is played masterfully by Adam Gregory, while Charlotte Jervis effortlessly embodies Reno Sweeney, a nightclub singer who assists Billy in his bid to win Hope’s heart.

Ellie Johnstone provides an outstanding portrayal of Hope. Her acting is sensitive, congenial and expressive, providing her scenes with sophistication and warmth. Adam Gregorys’s rendition of Billy is rich with boyish charm and a strong sense of fun. His chemistry when on stage with Ellie or Charlotte is nothing short of magical. I will say now that all three of them could have been on a stage in the West End their performances so polished and realistic.

Ben Green is public enemy number 13 – Moonface Martin. He shows off his comic side and gives an easygoing, shoulder-rolling, soft-shoe-shuffling performance as low-league criminal Moonface Martin that reminds you what a pro he is. His duet with Charlotte Jervis on the song Friendship is a playful delight

Shannon Robinson is the sultry gangsters moll Erma Latour, who is having a ball playing the ships sailors off against one another for her hand in marriage, while also warning them that she is not easily pleased. Shannon is superb, her accent and sassy brashness just hitting the mark perfectly.

Also strong is Chris Stanley, playing the Ship’s Captain his performance is very assured. Theo Fryer, plays the Ship’s Purser, offering a comedic and charismatic performance. Don’t miss them at the start of the show before the curtains raised

The best songs and the biggest moments belong to Charlotte Jervis as Reno and she knocks them out the park her voice is amazing.

While the acting quality is compelling across the whole cast, this is a musical, and the musical facet of this production is exquisite thanks to musical director David Easto. The orchestra lays on melodious accompaniment throughout, which makes the actors’ and actresses’ performances shine all the more. Sound and lighting move in tandem with the onrushing of the plot, guiding the production from each set-piece scene to the next. The setting of an ocean liner is great in its design, owing to the diligent work of stage manager Martin Garfield and his back stage team

Perhaps most striking in this production is the use of dance, choreographed skilfully by Zoe Heathcote and Jody Edmunds. The hours of practice that have gone into some of the routines must have been huge and the quality, professionalism and passion shines through to the point where you will be exhausted just watching. The enthusiasm and enjoyment each cast member demonstrates is truly stirring, and you have to admire the whole company’s dedication. Each radiant scene glides into the next, moving with water’s easy tread and supple fluidity. The dancing scenes are elegant and subtle, yet profound – they are in their execution quite simply excellent.

EVERYBODY SAY ‘YEAH’ AS COMEDY MUSICAL BASED ON REAL EVENTS SASHAYS TO STAFFORDSHIRE

Are you ready? Something fabulous to ‘raise you up’ is strutting its way to Lichfield – Kinky Boots, the musical!

Based on the Miramax film of the same name – which, in-turn, is based on the true story of how a drag performer helped transform the fortunes of a failing Northamptonshire shoe factory – this sparkling comedy musical comes to Lichfield Garrick Theatre for just one week next month.

With music by, 80s pop favourite, Cyndi Lauper, written by Tim Firth (The Full Monty, Calendar Girls, among others) with Geoff Deane, and book by, Tony Award winning actor and playwright, Harvey Fierstein, the show heralds Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company’s (SCMTC) return to the Garrick, following last year’s success with Shrek the Musical.

The show is directed by Kerrie Penrice who has long been a part of SCMTC taking on multiple leading roles. She also directed its youth company’s award-nominated production of Peter Pan a Musical Adventure.

Now the award-winning company – which celebrated its 90^th anniversary last year – is proud to have Kerrie at the helm for this utterly glamorous, fun, and heart-warming offering.

Kerrie said: “Kinky Boots is a delight from start to finish, so I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to direct this show. From the curtain raising through to the last moment, expect glitz, glamour, larger-than-life characters with costumes to match, pathos and heartfelt human emotion, stemming from a real story of ordinary people who did something extraordinary.

“I know this show will have audiences up on their feet dancing, singing along and crying with both laughter and a little sadness before leaving feeling truly uplifted. Kinky Boots really is an all-round feel-good show that audiences will love – and it comes with a troop of dancing drag queens to ‘BOOT’! What’s not to like?”

Kerrie is joined on the production team for this show by SCMTC’s stalwart choreographer, Maggie Jackson, and musical director, Sheila Pearson; both of whom have an extensive track-record of bringing together vibrant song and dance routines for the company. Of course, Kinky Boots is no different!

So, don’t delay, get those Kinky Boots on and march on down to Lichfield Garrick to catch this uplifting and hilarious show from 21-25 May.

Tickets are available online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com or via the Lichfield Garrick box office by phoning 01543 412121.

Sutton Born Chefs New Restaurant

Found in an unused workshop above his family’s jewellery shopping Lichfield Tom Shepherds new restaurant “Upstairs won a prestigious Michelin Star this week. For the full story click the link below 👇

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/hidden-michelin-star-restaurant-above-23122408?fbclid=IwAR2flEX1TEVGfb-8VtRhIhS6_qgx83zw0RPq_SpsuknalgtNxZ7kJV3JsII

Tag: Lichfield