A GROUP of young actors performed to packed audiences in Woodley’s Oakwood Centre.
Their latest production, Fame the Musical, was led by long-time Starmaker performer, but first-time director Oliver Widdis.
“I was nervous at first,” he said, “it being a new experience, but to see most of the audience members standing up at the end of the show – well that was amazing.”
Fame, The Musical is based on the 1980s film of the same name.
It tells the stories of students at New York City’s High School of Performing Arts, including Carmen, desperate to be famous, ambitious Serena, Joe the comic bad boy, musician Schlomo, Tyrone, a talented dancer with dyslexia, serious actor Nick, Mabel a dancer who switches to acting, and Iris, a dancer from a poor family.
“With all the different story lines, it works so well, with something for everyone,” said Oliver.
Costumes contributed in no small way to the production.
“I’d really like to thank the costume creators, Ellie – and my mum, Vicki, who made a lot of them, and then plotted out who would be wearing what, when – she’s been brilliant.”
As with all Starmaker productions, Fame enjoyed musical accompaniment from a live band.
“The whole company has been amazing,” said Oliver.
“I’ve had great support, and the young people really stepped up their game for this show.
“And our audiences have been fabulous too – this has been our best-selling production since before the pandemic.”
Before the show ran, Starmaker was awarded a £500 grant from the Wokingham Lions, which enabled them to splash out on costume graduation gowns for the final scenes of Fame.
“They looked stunning,” said Oliver, “We’re very grateful to the Lions – it meant the show ended on such a high.
“You have all these young people singing ‘bring on tomorrow’, and there’s such a feeling of sadness that it’s all over, but an over-riding optimism about what may lie ahead.
“The gowns are a symbol of what the group has achieved.
“They say, ‘look how far we’ve come, and who we have become as people.’ ”
Starmaker’s cast ranges in age from 11 to 17 years.
The young people have formed strong friendships through working together.
“We really do come together like a family,” said Oliver.
“We watch out for each other, and look after each other.
“Being the director, and not one of the actors for the first time, did feel a bit weird at first, but I soon got my teeth into it, and we’ve all had a great time.
“It’s really hard work, and a big responsibility, but I’d do it again without hesitation.”
In fact, Oliver is going to direct again – he’ll be putting together the group’s next show, Our House, by Tim Firth, to be performed in March/April next year.
It features hit songs by pop group Madness.
The group is now looking for cast members of all ages to play lead, supporting and ensemble roles.
Free to attend audition workshops for Our House will take place at South Lake Primary School, Woodley.
Young people can just turn up on Wednesday November 6, Wednesday November 13, and Friday November 15.
Dance auditions, on completion of an online audition form, will be on Friday, November 15, with additional call-backs on Sunday, November 17.
For information, visit: starmaker.org.uk
