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Fame Returns To Mayflower Theatre

Fame, The musical that inspired new generations to don legwarmers and leotards, leap on top of taxis and “light up the sky like a flame” is back at The Mayflower by popular demand next year, 12 – 16 May 2009 with X Factor finalist Beverley Trotman joining the cast as teacher Miss Sherman.

Fame The Musical has established itself as one of the country's most successful theatrical productions. Premiered in the West End in June 1995 and nominated for two Olivier Awards, the stage spectacular enjoyed a hugely successful decade in London. The show has played to over 5 million people in the UK alone, and included runs at five of London's premier West End theatres.

Audiences around the world have enjoyed the eternally inspiring story of the kids from New York's School for the Performing Arts. Always recruiting the freshest young talent, each cast of over 30 electric performers has wowed the crowds as they rocket through phenomenal dance routines and unforgettable songs, including the legendary Fame.

Beverley Trotman won the hearts of the nation as the teacher from Luton who followed her dream all the way to the studio in the 2007 series of ITV1's smash hit The X Factor. Mentored by Louis Walsh, she received weekly praise from judges and mentors (Celine Dion, Kelly Rowland, Boyz II Men) as she performed huge hits like I Have Nothing, I'm Every Woman and I Will Survive. A real life primary school teacher before her X Factor journey, Beverley lives in Bedfordshire with her husband and two children. She has performed with many gospel choirs, including the famous Kingdom Choir, across Europe, supported artists such as Lemar and since the series has continued to perform and gig around the UK.

The UK tour cast also includes Holly James (Most recently seen in Hairspray in London and previously a Top 10 recording artist with the track Heaven, with Jason Nevins), Dominic Daniels, Nikki Davis Jones, Tommy Sherlock, Danielle Cato, Tarisha Rommick, John Stacey, Tony Stansfield, Nicholas Larkin, and, Warren Sollars (Channel 4's Musicality), Scott Maurice, Simon Campbell, Laura Thornton, Rachel Crocker, Helen Ternent, Ricky Morrell, Sean Selby, Charlotte Scott, Carolyn Maitland and sisters Amy and Laura Thornton

From the producers of Hairspray, Footloose and Disney's High School Musical, and directed by Olivier Award winner Karen Bruce, the show follows one group of students from auditions to their graduation ceremony, taking audiences through the highs, lows, friendships, romances and sheer hard work that is daily life for the star-struck pupils in their quest for success. For some it is too much, but ultimately tragedy and triumph combine in a spectacular finale that has prompted standing ovations around the world.

The Academy Award winning MGM/United Artists motion picture FAME was released in 1980 and was an immediate box office smash around the world. This was followed by a highly successful TV show that ran for six seasons, won numerous Emmy Awards and was broadcast in over 70 countries.

The original High School for the Performing Arts boasts a strong list of graduates including Alicia Keys, Jennifer Aniston, Liza Minnelli, Al Pacino, Suzanne Vega, Ben Vereen, Eartha Kitt and Jerome Robbins. Its success has made it a model for a number of schools, including the Brit School in Croydon and the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts, founded by Sir Paul McCartney. -- www.mayflower.org.uk

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