IT IS what so many young performers dream about, their chance of fame.

But for those who do follow their dreams and take a chance on the world of showbiz, it’s not all glitz and glory.

There are as many tears and traumas on the route to success as there are triumphs and one show above all told it like many have discovered life in the spotlight really can be.

That show is Fame – The Musical and if you fancy an all singing, all dancing roller-coaster ride in the company of a great bunch of young performers, this is the one for you.

Huddersfield Amateur Operatic Society (HAOS) is back at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in just over a week’s time with a show that will make you smile one moment and grab the tissues the next.

For the youngsters enrolled at the New York City’s High School of Performing Arts, life isn’t all sunshine.

The musical, which followed the Eighties film and TV series, tracks a group of students from their audition to their graduation ceremony.

And their road to Fame has its highs, its lows, they discover friendship and romance and relentless hard work.

One things for sure, the young cast that HAOS has brought together will get a good end of term report, for this is a show which has got the whole society buzzing.

HAOS has brought in a new production team and an influx of new young performers alongside some of the company’s most experienced performers should deliver a real feel-good show, on and off the stage.

David Lockwood and Cathy Peters have both appeared on stage with the company in past years but have found new roles, particularly with Woodhouse Operatic Society as a successful production team.

David directs his first show for the Amateurs with Cathy choreographing this toe-tapper of a production.

Advertising auditions on the company’s website brought new faces to auditions and there are a number of young actors, dancers and musicians making their HAOS debuts, though many have worked with other companies.

Dan Sean Henry has worked extensively with Dewsbury Arts Group and two years ago earned nominations for two awards when the company competed in the All England Theatre Festival.

He makes his HAOS debut in Fame alongside Sophie Hughes, who will also be making her first appearance with the company.

Sophie first appeared at the Lawrence Batley Theatre earlier this year in a Gilbert and Sullivan production and can’t wait to get back on its stage.

She’s appeared in many productions in the Grand Theatre in Lancaster over the last nine years but says its stage is only half the size of that of the LBT.

Huddersfield New College student James Cheal says that out of college he does lots of amateur dramatic productions and is also in a metal band. He wants to go to drama school and aims to be either a professional actor or in a band.

Also at New College is Tyrone Jackson who is studying performing arts. He’s in the National Youth Theatre, has been in dance shows and plays and has worked as an extra on various TV shows including Waterloo Road. Tyrone is also into sport in a big way.

Gemma Clarkson is a familiar name to fans of musicals in Huddersfield. She’s been in lots of them but this is her first with the Amateurs.

Gemma says she started dance at a young age with the Audrey Spencer Dancing School and hasn’t stopped since.

Her first show was Carousel in which she played the youngest snow child and since then she’s appeared in 35 shows with societies across the area. She also appears with cabaret group, Miscellany.

Alongside Gemma will be another Audrey Spencer dancing talent, Leanne Harrison who has been dancing for 20 years and says the novelty still hasn’t worn off. She’s back for a second year running with HAOS and is enjoying her taste of Fame.

Olivia Simpson is also back for more with the company – this is her third show with the society but her first leading role. As a performer with 15 years’ experience in her dancing feet, she’s thrilled to be playing a principal role in such a dance-oriented show.

For those who haven’t seen Fame before expect to see performers who can act, sing, dance – and play musical instruments!

Take 16-year-old Chris Fox who is studying acting at Park Lane College in Leeds.

He’s been acting since he was seven, is a natural for parts such as Oliver and the Dodger, and has played in many shows with Dewsbury Arts Group.

Chris is a skilled musician and plays in local band, handmadehands. He’ll be playing piano and violin on stage.

Caroline King teaches at a junior school but can’t wait to be a student again in Fame. She’s been a keen singer and dancer as long as she can remember and gets to play drums on stage in this show.

Lisa Hawksford, in her seventh show with the society, joined the society to play in the orchestra. But the company had a better idea and she’s always been on stage though in this show she does also get to play both saxophone and flute.

Playing the teachers at the High School are some of the society’s most experienced performers including Colin Harris and Fred Shaw.

Join them for Fame from November 8-12. Tickets on 01484 430528.