The musical will open at London's Shaftesbury Theatre on May 8 following previews that begin May 4.

The Shaftesbury represents the fifth West End venue for the show, which received its West End premiere at the Cambridge Theatre in June 1995. Karen Bruce's production received Olivier nominations for Best Choreography and Best New Musical.

Since then, the show has been on a cycle of national tours and West End returns. Its previous appearance in London was at the Aldwych Theatre before handing over to another dance musical, Dirty Dancing.

Fame received a loyal following of fans after the release of the 1980 movie and the Emmy-winning TV spin-off.

The show follows the fortunes of young and gifted musicians and performers attending New York's School for the Performing Arts. The real-life version of the school has an illustrious list of former students including Liza Minnelli, Al Pacino and Jerome Robbins. For more on Fame The Musical, which runs at the Shaftesbury for a limited summer season, call (0)20 7379 5399.