Our cast is electric and we have all created such amazing friendships, which truly will last forever!
– Alice (Upper Fifth), played Serena

After months of hard work and dedication from our Upper Fifth (Year 11) and Upper Sixth (Year 13) pupils and the Drama and Dance faculty, Fame JR exploded across the Downe House stage in a spectacular three night showcase.

Set in the prestigious High School for the Performing Arts in New York City in the early 1980s, Fame JR is the bittersweet, but ultimately inspiring, story following a diverse group of students as they make their way through the gruelling artistic and academic work. With hit songs, stunning choreography and humorous dialogue, the show simultaneously explored issues that, over 40 years since the show’s creation, still confront many young people to this day.

“My favourite thing about the rehearsal process of Fame JR was the people I was surrounded by; everyone had something special to bring to the show and was always supportive of each other.” – Anjola (Upper Fifth), played Carmen.

The musical provided a unique opportunity to display the diverse range of talent at Downe House. Pupils onstage dazzled the audience with their dancing, singing, acting, rapping and musicianship. Whilst behind the scenes, Upper Fifth and Upper Sixth pupils expressed other talents to bring the production to life. From stage management and set design, to lighting and sound production.

Working backstage was never something I considered doing before but getting to work on a creative project with a supportive community was such a wonderful, new opportunity. You get to exercise a completely different part of your brain and it’s so rewarding!
Louisa (Upper Sixth), Stage Manager

Mrs Rebecca Watson, Head of Co-Curricular Drama closed the final show with the following words:

“Every now and then, as a director, you are lucky enough to find that perfect alignment of performers and show. A play or musical that seems to cast itself, it is a pleasure to direct and is great fun to be a part of. At a time when they are looking their GCSE’s and A Levels straight in the eye, this cast have brought their boundless energy, infectious enthusiasm and unnerving commitment to every single rehearsal…finally, to you the audience, thank you for coming and we hope you enjoyed the show!” 

Please view all our Fame JR photos via the album below:

You can find out more about Drama – Downe House School and Dance – Downe House School in the Co-curriculum pages of our website.