South West Wales concert promoter Cerith Owens is launching an ambitious plan to develop young talent.
The director of Loud Applause Productions has set up a ‘Rising Stars’ platform as part of his concert and theatre company.
“Working in theatres and concert halls throughout South West Wales, I have been amazed at the amount of young talent there is in the area,” Mr Owens said.
“If we are not careful, a lot of this young talent escapes the net here in South West Wales.
“It’s my ambition to use my experiences of concerts and theatre projects to help nurture, encourage and mentor up-and-coming youngsters to make sure they get the exposure they deserve on the concert stage.”
Mr Owens added: “There is so much talk nowadays about celebrity-style programmes like the X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, but I want to focus on the proper development of young talent in our area.
“There is a need for some careful and sensible mentoring of the young talent which shines through in South West Wales and I am hoping to play my part in making sure some of our brightest stars of the future achieve their full potential.”
One of the first members of the ‘Rising Stars’ team is Samuel Morris, a 17-year-old student at Ysgol Gyfun y Strade, Llanelli. Sam’s dream is to become a West End star.
This year, Sam has played the role of Marius in SA15 Stage School’s production of Les Miserables and the lead male role of ‘Link Larkin’ in The Performance Factory’s production of the Broadway musical Hairspray.
Sam will be performing later this year in ‘A Night With The Stars’ at Ffwrnes theatre in Llanelli, alongside Shan Cothi, Mark Llewelyn Evans and Côr Meibion Llanelli.
He will also feature in gala evenings at Carmarthen and Margam Orangery.
Sam has a repertoire which includes a large range of popular musical theatre songs along with beautiful ballads performed in Welsh and English.
Mr Owens said: “Loud Applause Productions has included Sam in future gala concerts to provide him with more stage experience and a platform for others to enjoy his remarkable voice. I believe we have discovered a future West End Star.”
Sam’s performance requests have spiralled in recent months and he is now being managed by Llanelli-based Mr Owens.
Also part of the ‘Rising Stars’ team is the newly-formed musical theatre trio Three Voices.
The three members are all from Carmarthenshire – Sam Morris, Liam Reilly and Jole Harding.
Jole Harding has featured in local productions in the roles of Jean Valjean and Judge Turpin.
He has also played Mercutio in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Liam Reilly is currently studying at Gorseinon College. He has performed in local productions in the roles of Captain Von-Trapp, Daddy Warbucks and Javert.
Three Voices will be available for musical evenings from this autumn.
Mr Owens said that he would like to hear from other up-and-coming artistes interested in joining the ‘Rising Stars’ team.
You can contact Cerith Owens, Director, Loud Applause Productions, on 07854 303 918
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