FAME is gonna live forever, or at least from June 15 to 19 at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York.

Shipton Theatre Company will stage the American hit musical - tThe West End version is at present playing at the Aldwych Theatre - in a showcase for the talents of its younger members.

"Many of them will be starting out on their own professional careers, like the characters in Fame The Musical, at stage schools this September," says director Robert Readman.

"Fame The Musical follows a group of students from their first audition to graduation, taking audiences through the highs, lows, friendships, romances and sheer hard work that is daily life for the star-struck pupils at New York's legendary High School of Performing Arts."

Robert says Fame is as popular as ever: "Nominated for two Olivier Awards in the West End, the show's continuing worldwide success is inspiring new generations to don leg warmers and leotards, dance on taxis and live forever."

His young cast comprises Laurie Scarth as Carmen; Lauren Hood as Serena; Alicia Roberts as Mabel; Abbi Wright, Lambchops; Emily Taylor, Iris; Michael Oliver, Nick; Martin Lettin, Joe; Nick Holbek, Schlomo; and Jean-Pierre Bolet as Tyrone.

The academy teachers will be played by Sarah Barker, as Miss Sherman; Marie-Louise Scott, as Miss Bell; Simon Brookshaw, Mr Myers; and Vic Heard, Mr Sheinkopf.

Robert is joined in the production team by musical director Adam Tomlinson and choreographers Laurie Scarth, Lauren Hood and Verity Carr.

Evening performances will start at 7.30pm, complemented by a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. First-night tickets cost £6; other evening performances, £8, children under 16 £6; matinee, £7, children £6, on 01904 481855 or 01904 623568 (York Theatre Royal box office).

Updated: 08:55 Friday, June 04, 2004