They wanted to live for ever and now the Kids from Fame are back in a stage musical that will getyou dreaming of stardom. JENNY SCOTT reports. . .

THEY were the kids with the leg-warmers and the bouffant hair who had dreams of making it big in showbiz.

Most people remember their names from the Fame TV series and film, but this year the equally popular musical dramatisation will celebrate 10 years on the West End.

And, to mark the occasion, the star-struck pupils from New York's High School For Performing Arts will bring the high-energy dance routines and feel-good songs of Fame - The Musical to the Lyric Theatre at The Lowry, Salford Quays.

But although the whiff of greasepaint and the jangle of nerves from the all-dancing wannabes will be as much in evidence as ever, this production has made the decision to bid goodbye to the 1980s.

Producer Adam Spiegel, 36, who was also the man behind bringing Saturday Night Fever to the stage, said he had wanted Fame - The Musical to have a more timeless appeal than the TV show.

"We keep the legwarmers," he said. "Since we started the show, we've been through something like 1,200 pairs, what with the various casts and costumes.

"But I didn't want it to be a period piece. It's not like Grease, which is rooted in the late '50s. I want anyone to be able to relate to it, so it's slightly unspecific in terms of time.

"I want people to go and see the show and think this could be them."

There's no doubt the high-octane dance moves and catchy numbers definitely instill in people something of the Fame spirit.

"Every night there are thousands of people dancing around in the theatres where we tour," said Adam.

"When you watch 30 people doing a dance routine in front of you live on stage, it can't be beaten.

"TV and cinema have become so sophisticated, but there are a few things that can still be done better in the theatre and dancing and singing are two of those things.

"In Fame, there's a real energy and dynamism and excitement. You can't get that anywhere else.

"For some reason, Fame was one of those weird ideas that completely captured the public consciousness," said Adam.

"In some ways, the TV shows were ahead of their time. There are now dozens of programmes about like Fame Academy and if you open a newspaper, in almost every one the word fame appears. It's about wanting to be a star."

"The show is about the lives of kids and the things they go through," said Adam. "Some are talented and become successful and others don't. That whole mixture makes for a potent cocktail of musical theatre."

Fame The Musical is at The Lowry from tonight until Saturday, August 28. For tickets, call 0870 111 2000.