THIS week Lochgelly Centre is playing to packed audiences as Lochgelly Youth present FAME, writes Kerry Black, our theatre correspondent.

Hot on the heels of last year’s very successful production of Hairspray, the kids have moved from the 60s to the 80s, under the expert direction and choreography of Lochgelly High School's Liam Nardone.

Walking into the theatre, the curtains were opened as a bunch of young folk plied and pirouetted in the hope of being accepted at New York’s High School of the Performing Arts, ruled by the menacing Miss Sherman, impressively played by Emily Dryburgh.

Serina Katz was expertly played by 14 year-old Courtney Bryson who has been a real stalwart of Lochgelly Youth's productions and she was rewarded with the best actress award at the end of the show.

Think Miss Trunchbull in high heels, but with a secret heart of gold!

The set consisted of a bridge in the background, used to great effect by the soloists and simple props such as desks, chairs and even a piano, all overshadowed by the giant light up letters spelling out FAME. With effective sound and lighting, the set never overshadowed the performances.

There were some truly outstanding soloists in this show. Special mention must go to Arianna De Melo’s touching portrayal of Carmen Diaz, who discovers the hard way, the brutality and tragedy that the pursuit of fame can lead to.

Her acting and singing was amazing (she was also Musical Director).

It was lovely to see Ruby Munroe (Mrs Sheinkopf), getting the chance to be more than just a dancer, especially in the comical “Mabel’s Prayer”! Mabel herself was played by Erin Robertson who has an amazing raunchy rock voice!

With Dylan Weatherup as Tyrone and Jamie-Lee Davie as Iris, romance was in the air as the kids struggled against class prejudice and the need to succeed educationally as well as artistically.

It is always difficult to recruit boys for musical theatre, so it was great to see some talented young men on stage. Special mention must go to Schlomo (Martin Mitchel) for his excellent singing and acting.

Although set in 1984, this is a new stage version of FAME, the songs may be different from the old TV show, apart from the Oscar winning title number, but the dreams and aspirations of the young folk are just as real.

In a week when there has been a lot of publicity about bad behaviour and vandalism it is brilliant to see the hard work and talent in the Lochgelly area. From the tiniest dancers to the principals, everyone sang and danced their hearts out! Strap on your legwarmers and boogie on down to Lochgelly Centre.

The Lochgelly Youth group are set to put on another show later this year and they are currently looking for cast members.

There will be auditions on Thursday April 12 at Lochgelly Centre for their performance of the wacky musical The Addams Family.

This will be another big test for the young performers but are set to take on the challenge like they have done with Hairspray and Fame.

So if you want to be involved just go along on Thursday week to the auditions.