Fame the Musical
★★★☆☆ Energetic
Pleasance Theatre: Thu 21 – Sat 23 May 2026
Review by Sophie Good
The Queen Margaret University Musical Theatre Society returns to Pleasance One with Fame the Musical, a high-energy production that showcases an impressive range of talent across a large cast.
Based on David De Silva’s 1980 film and subsequent TV series, Fame the Musical follows a group of students at the New York City High School for the Performing Arts as they pursue their dreams of making their name in show business.
Emily Bannerman (centre – Carmen Diaz) and ensemble. Pic: Abbie Porteous.
Having met the students at their audition, the ‘cream of the crop’ are shown going through their paces with many emotional ups and downs on their journey through to graduation.
Emily Bannerman is a standout as Carmen Diaz, a true all-rounder who commands the stage whether she is singing, dancing or acting. She carries the iconic title number with real showmanship, and her portrayal of Carmen’s relentless ambition alongside vulnerability, and ultimately tragedy — gives the production its emotional spine.
Bannerman and several of her fellow cast members are in their final year and it will be great to see where they go next.
warmth and likeable charm
Ben Carroll brings warmth and likeable charm to Schlomo Metzenbaum, while Erin Cameron is assured and vocally strong as Serena Katz. James Mitchell is sweet and entirely believable as Nick Piazza — his scenes with Serena provide some of the production’s nicest comic moments — and Fintan McCarney brings an enigmatic quality to Jack Zakowski with Kaitlyn Stewart as his long suffering and loyal friend.
Kate Santos (Miss Sherman) and Isla McKay (Miss Bell). Pic Abbie Porteous.
A special mention too for Kate Santos and Isla McKay, who play teachers Miss Sherman and Miss Bell with real capability. Taking on roles that require you to project authority over a cast of your peers is no small ask, and both manage it well.
Director Katie Atkinson and assistant director Ella Rose have done an admirable job of managing what is a very large cast without the stage ever feeling cluttered or chaotic. Choreographer Taylor Kerr has clearly put the cast through their paces – the dance numbers are tight and well executed.
physicality
The number Carmen in particular is impressive, and the company’s commitment to the physicality of the piece is evident throughout.
The live band carry the fast-paced score really well. While occasionally providing a little too much competition to the onstage vocals, they are very capably led by conductor Kayden Weir.
Kaitlyn Stewart (Iris Kelly) and Iona Wright (Mabel Washington) centre front. With ensemble members Mhairi Connell, Eilidh Murray, Hannah Bradley, Gabby Blackie, Emma Keith and Zuzu Johnston. Pic: Abbie Porteous.
Where the production occasionally loses momentum is in the pacing. Fame is a show with a great deal to get through with its sprawling cast of characters and multiple storylines. There are moments here where the piece drags slightly under the weight of it all. This is as much a challenge of the material as of the production, but tighter editing in some scenes would perhaps land the key moments better.
joy and commitment
Carmen’s fate in the latter stages of the show is sobering, but it does not dampen the spirit of a production that is otherwise full of joy and commitment. Our young reviewer, attending her first Fame, was emphatic: “I really liked the dancing and singing and my favourite character was Carmen.”
Whether your passion is dancing, singing or acting — or all three — there is something here for you. QMU Musical Theatre Society continue to be a company well worth watching.
Running time: Two hours and 30 minutes (including one interval)
Pleasance Theatre, 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ
Thursday 21 – Saturday 23 May 2026
Evenings: 7.30pm; Sat mat: 2.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here.
QMU Musical Theatre Society socials:
Facebook: @QMUMusicalTheatre
Instagram: @qmumusicaltheatre
Linktree: @qmumusicaltheatre
The Fame the Musical company. Pic: Abbie Porteous.
ENDS
