THE vibrant energy of the cast of Fame is unrelenting and leaves you breathless just watching them.

The stage version of David De Silva's 1994 smash-hit film is an explosive rollercoaster of fun, passion and sheer determination.

Fame follows a class of teenage wannabes at the famous New York High School for the Performing Arts as they struggle to get to the top.

Rebecca Wheatley (aka Casualty's Amy) stars as as the hard-faced Miss Sherman, who has responsibility to keep the likes of the illiterate Tyrone Jackson (Chris Copeland) and drug-addicted Carmen Diaz (Debbie Kurup) in line.

In addition to the dance, drama, ballet and singing Fame comes to life through a montage of complex characters including the love-struck Serena Katz (Julie Atherton) who falls in love with TV star Nick Piazza (Paul Spicer), Mabel Washington (Leigh-Anne Stone) and her constant battle with the bulge and Jo Vegas (Ben Heathcote) and his Latino antics.

The performance, which shows at Manchester's Opera House until Saturday April 13, was spot-on and, judging by an elated audience reaction, Fame really did leave a lasting impression on everyone there.

A truly sparkling must-see show.