The sheer talent and enthusiasm of 70 young performers aged seven to 17 years, all from Pembrokeshire, was rewarded with a standing ovation from the audience on both Friday and Saturday nights at the Follies Theatre, Folly Farm.

The show 'Stars of Tomorrow' was staged by Star Academy, which is run by two young ladies from Haverfordwest, Kirsty Glynn and Kirsty Harris. Having seen previous successful shows that the girls had put on for charity, Jane Kemp approached them to see if a similar production could be staged for the Lady Taverners Charity, who support local disabled and special needs children. Chevron Texaco readily agreed to finance the event and, at the request of the two Kirsties, it was agreed that the Mary Immaculate School, Haverfordwest, should also be a recipient from the proceeds for their building fund.

A meeting was held at which everything was outlined and whilst discussing a name for the show, Chris Ebsworth, of Folly Farm, suggested 'Stars of Tomorrow'!

Auditions were held at Easter and a 'workshop' was set up by the girls, greatly assisted by their mums, Ann and Joanne, and Issie Yearly, to run three times a week through the summer holidays for the cast to rehearse and receive tuition. Due to the Texaco sponsorship, this was completely free of any charges to the children. The total dedication and hard work that took place during the holidays on the part of Kirsty Harris, Kirsty Glynn and all the cast is only to be admired. The result was a musical spectacular with songs and dance routines from popular shows such as Fame, Cats, Oliver and Les Miserables. The talent that shone through from each and every young person on the stage completely captivated the audience, with all the soloists performing exceptionally. The roof was raised with applause after each number, especially when the Artful Dodger and Oliver (played by the very young Daniel Kynoch and Aaron Lewis) had sung 'I'd do Anything' from Oliver!

The show was professionally hosted on both nights by guest celebrity actor, Richard Hope, known for his many TV appearances, Holby, Silent Witness and Heartbeat, to name a few, and he too greatly enjoyed the show.

For the final song, 'Bring on Tomorrow', the cast were joined by the two Kirsties and there quite possibly would not have been a dry eye left in the theatre at the end. When the applause had finally died down, the cast, headed by Matthew Jones, thanked the girls and they were presented with bouquets. Former chairman of the Lady Taverners, Jean Ratcliff, who had travelled from London to see the show, and David Evans from the Mary Immaculate School, both thanked the cast and the girls, saying what very special young people they all were and that they could feel extremely proud.

Jane Kemp then announced that, due to the generosity of Folly Farm, The Lady Taverners were inviting the entire cast to their Fun Day at Folly Farm on Saturday, October 29. Also, by courtesy of Pembrokeshire College, the two Mums and Issie who had given tireless help and support to the girls, a day had been arranged at the college where they could have some 'pampering' at the Beauty Salon and lunch in the restaurant. Finally, for the two Kirsties, the Lady Taverners had organised a trip to London where the girls will stay at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, and have tickets to a show of their choice. Both the Lady Taverners and the Mary Immaculate School are so grateful to Kirsty Glynn and Kirsty Harris and all the wonderful young cast for their hard work in the production of this terrific show, and they in turn would like to combine with the charities in thanking the people who made the show possible - namely Chevron Texaco and Phil Thompson for the funding and enormous support throughout; the Texaco technical team for their superb work with the sound and stage production; Folly Farm and all the staff for their support and kindness; the Stars of Tomorrow band, led by Clive Raymond; the County Jazz Band, who entertained everyone before the show; Richard Hope for hosting the show and making the raffle such fun; Swales Music Shop, Haverfordwest, for selling so many tickets and the people who kindly advertised in the programme or sent donations.

The show was a great success and at the time of going to press an exact figure is not available, but it is estimated that somewhere in the region of £6,000 has been raised.

A huge 'well done' to everyone.