Prestigious New York High School of Performing Arts (known affectionately as 'PA' to its students is where hundreds of young men and women auditon to make the cut to seek stardom and FAME.

The school was created to provide training in performance skills for students who want to prepare for professional careers in dance, music or drama.

The 1980 film based on an idea by talent manager David De Silva followed the fotunes of a group of students from auditions through to graduation.

New York is a tough place to be as this powerful tale unfolds through the eyes of the young hopefuls who each have their own issues - unwanted pregnancy, illiteracy, homosexuality, drugs, homework, heartbreak and rejection.

In the words of Miss Sherman stage school head 'If they've really got what it takes, it's going to take everything they've got'.

The energetic and enthusiastic cast work tirelessly throughout displaying some great dance moves. Strangely though it was not until after the interval when Mica Paris (Miss Sherman) stole the show with her spine-tingling soulful rendition of These Are My Children.

I thoroughly enjoyed Dancin' On the Sidewalk whilst the cast glide around the stage on desks and chairs.

Although the performance felt lacklustre Stephanie Rojas (Carmen) had the audience on their feet as she sang Fame superbly.

Runs until Saturday, 15th June at the Bristol Hippodrome.