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Last Sunday night. Godspell. Grand Opera House. Music Theatre 4 Youth. What an unbelievable experience!

This old cynic has seen a bit in his time and it really does take a lot to impress me. But this is the stable that produced Bangor’s Niamh Perry of I’d do Anything fame and she was there to introduce the evening. Niamh was able to get home from the West End where she’s in Mamma Mia! Well, they must be cloning them like Dolly the sheep and all I can say is stand back because they have another 30 Niamh Perry’s - blonde, brunette and red head versions – in the traps and ready to go.

They put together a showcase of their work and for the first time in their short history MT4Uth took over the Grand Opera House in Belfast and presented what local kids can do when given expert tuition.

It was incredible and I don’t use the word lightly. The singing and dancing was pretty smart, as was the staging and acting. The production values were excellent. A proper band in the pit and creative team that could run the National Theatre.

Listen, if you’ve got a youngster who can sing a bit, play an instrument, dance a bit and act a bit, then do them a huge favour and get them to audition with this group. You’ll get back tenfold whatever you start with.

Dan Gordon

If the truth be told, I had just closed a play Lay Up Your Ends at The Grand Opera House the night before – and the subsequent very late night left me wishing I hadn’t accepted an invitation to the musical Godspell by Music Theatre 4 Youth in the very same building – the very next night.

Neither did it help that being a convinced atheist (at least a daytime atheist) the subject matter would be in and around the workings of the Gospel.

I needed have worried.

From the split-second the 50 young people from all over Ireland bounded onto the stage, I was 100% engaged. Apparently, rehearsed inside a mere 6 days this was a production and a half. I remember sitting back for a few seconds half way through it, literally to catch my breath. I was exhausted watching such energy. This Godspell had everything you want for a great night out at the theatre. Brilliant cast, interesting story, great songs, tight band, terrific choreography, precision directing, some amazing dancing, excellent set and above all the performances of a young group of people who must surely have the stars of the future among them. The play programme didn’t list who played who, so I can’t identify individuals but it wasn’t really about individuals. It was all about ensemble, teamwork, camaraderie and the power of collective art. Unfortunately, modern theatre has moved – for constricting financial reasons – towards plays with small casts. A big cast in the professional theatre today is a cast of six. Last night we had fifty young people and a live band providing us with the kind of night’s entertainment that is just so rare now.

Highlights for me were an electrifying break dance, the singing of the well-known Day By Day song and the crucifixion scene. (Though I did think this scene would have actually contained more power if the actor had emoted less) While I am in the critical vein, I thought some of the singing was spoiled by a poor sound system or perhaps it was all down to technical problems due to having such a very short rehearsal period which would make it completely understandable.

The other great bonus for me is that the evening introduced me to Music Theatre 4 Youth. Apparently it’s already been going for 4 or 5 years and aims to provide opportunities for young people from here to be trained in all aspects of musical theatre. On the evidence of Godspell, Music Theatre 4 Youth is implementing its aims with aplomb. I look forward to their next production.

Martin Lynch

Musical Star Niamh Perry has made a whirlwind trip home to pass on some valuable advice to aspiring young performers. Bangor Niamh 19, who found fame while taking part in BBC One show I’d Do Anything, is now starring as Sophie in Mamma Mia in the west End.

She has now been appointed Young Persons Patron for musical theatre charity MT4UTH and was in Holywood on Sunday to advise performers during rehearsals for their production of Godspell.

The charity’s production features music by Stephen Schwartz, the composer of hit musical Wicked, and involves performances from 52 young people from all over Ireland.

Niamh performed with MT4UTH for several years and credits the organisation with nurturing her talent.

She said: “I just wouldn’t be where I am now without MT4UTH and it’s as simple as that. There isn’t anything else like it Northern Iteland so the level of training and intensity they offer is just so important for other young people going forward”.

Of her new role as patron she added: "It wasn't very long ago I was performing with them so it's a strange feeling to now be a patron when I feel like I should just be on stage with my friends.

"The other patron is Elaine Paige so I just feel very, very honoured."

The star flew back to the Province on Saturday evening after performing in two shows.

"I'm very tired, but I'm used to feeling that way now," she said.

Despite her hectic schedule, Niamh is loving her new life in London: "It's like a dream come true. I'm so busy but then when I come home and people ask me how it's going I realise how lucky I am."

Niamh was home for just 20 hours over the weekend, but still managed to squeeze in a catch-up with friends and a Sunday roast with her family at home in Bangor.

The star will be home again to host the MT4UTH production of Godspell, which takes place in the Grand Opera House on August 16.

Looking forward to being a spectator rather than a performer, Niamh said: "I actually don't know any of the songs from Godspell so it will be nice for me to sit back and watch it all.

"It's all looking great at the minute so I can't wait."

As Suzie Scott's photo proves, being a member of the all-Ireland performing arts charity Music Theatre 4 Youth (MT4Uth) is an exciting experience.

Earlier this month President Mary McAleese invited 50 young cast members, 11 to 25 year olds, to Aras an Uachtarain in Phoenix Park Dublin.

There she heard about Godspell, their latest production.

Working with a top international artistic teamfrom London’s West End and across Europe, MT4Uth will cast and rehearse this colourful show in Rockport School, Holywood in only 8 days.

Godspell will then be transferred to the Grand Opera House, Belfast for one night only – Sunday 16th August.

Past pupil, Niamh Perry, a finalist on the BBC’S I’d do Anything plans to be there to support her friends.

Niamh is proof that training with this theatre school can bring success at the top.

Talented people are being invited to try out for a project which could help catapult them to stardom. 'Music Theatre 4 Youth' (MT4Uth) is urging people aged 11-22 to audition later this month for what could be the start of a career in performance. MT4Uth was established in 2005 to give young people from across Ireland the very best quality musical theatre tuition, along with the chance to perform at various theatre venues across the country. MT4Uth encourages the development of talent regardless of whether or not there is the intention to pursue a career in musical theatre and helps in the personal and social development of young people, building self-esteem and confidence. During the course of the weekend the participants develop key life skills such as communication, commitment, motivation and the ability to work as part of a team.

A choir of Northern Irish children will be singing live with West End musical star Lee Mead this Friday to open the 28th Children in Need show. The children from Music Theatre 4 Youth will join the star of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat - who will be based in London - via a live link from Stormont. Lee, who was the winner of the BBC's talent search show Any Dream Will Do, will be joined by a number of choirs across the UK to perform. Sorcha McVeigh, manager of MT4Uth, which is funded through the BBC Children in Need Bursary Scheme, said: "We are thrilled that BBC Children in Need have asked Music Theatre 4 Youth to perform live at Stormont. "One hundred of our members, aged between 11 and 22 years, will perform the opening number alongside Lee Mead with choirs from across the rest of the UK. "It is a fantastic opportunity for MT4Uth - everyone is very excited and looking forward to the evening." Lee will be performing from the London-based studio where the Appeal Night will be broadcast. He will be joined by 53 children, including 36 from the cast of Joseph. The additional choirs will join him via satellite link-up from many different locations across the UK. As well as Belfast, these are Cardiff, Lincoln, Blackpool, Birmingham and Basingstoke. Lee Mead said: "I think it's a great idea to bring kids from across the UK together like this in one massive choir. "I'm really looking forward to Children in Need night and hope that everyone is practising hard ready for Friday night. "Let's hope I can keep in time with Belfast and Glasgow from TV Centre in London." Following the performance of Any Dream Will Do, Lee and the cast will be rushing back to the West End for a performance of Joseph, which will also raise funds for Children in Need.