FAME - The Musical, Manchester Opera House, Runs until Saturday

FAME - The Musical was given a 21st Century make over, but that didn't spoil the party as the audience were treated to an energetic and feel-good musical extravaganza.

The Fame School has come a long way since it was first immortalised on the big screen in the 1980s and this production tried to reach a new audience with a more up-to-date version.

Based on the lives of 30 students at the world famous New York High School for the Performing Arts it chronicles the highs and lows of students who are trying to make a name for themselves in the showbiz world.

Julie Atherton shines as Serena Katz, the love struck romantic who has fallen for Nick Piazza, played by Jason Nolan.

Tyrone Jackson and Iris Kelly, played by Chris Copeland and Louise Lenihan, are convincing as a couple trying to overcome their cultural differences.

And Ben Heathcoate and Leigh-Anne Stone were hilarious as Jo Vegas and Mabel Washington, who had the audience laughing with their comic performances as the class clowns.

The songs are performed with gusto by the wannabe Fame stars, with slick dance routines and costume changes to match. The sub plots come together in a tragic but uplifting finale to the breathtaking performance, and the show finished with that song -- the theme tune to Fame -- with everyone on their feet, singing and applauding a fantastic and thoroughly enjoyable performance.

Robert Johnson