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An incredible story. 

Congratulations to Oscar & BAFTA winners Ross White, James, Paddy, Tom, Seamus and the rest of the team of ‘An Irish Goodbye’, this is the stuff of dreams (or a Hollywood film).

Not many will know this, but Ross was in a junior production of Les Mis back in 2009.

Ross has been one of our teachers at Belfast School Of Performing Arts over the last few years.

He has taught the pupils at BSPA many things but last night he taught them the best lesson of all ~ along with ability and imagination, that commitment and self belief can take you anywhere.

Youth theatre is so important, beneficial and invaluable to so many young people- the arts are important to us all.

Artistic director, Peter Corry was able to catch up with Ross, Oscar & BAFTA. What an honour!

What a huge achievement and what a great example to our pupils. We couldn’t be happier for him.

Well done boys!!

Every year at BSPA we endeavour to support a charity especially during our BSPA shows where we hold a ballot with all proceeds going to our charity.

The choice of charity is often driven by the personal experiences or challenges of some of our Children at BSPA and this year is no exception.

BSPA Lisburn AM pupil David started BSPA six years ago at the age of 4 years old. David had already received a kidney from his father with the knowledge there was more challenges to come in the future.

This year has been a challenging one for him and a few months ago he had a second kidney donated by his mother. David is one of the most determined young men we’ve ever met and never once has he complained or let his challenges stop him from taking part in BSPA or doing extra activities and our summer productions.

We’re sure as parents you will understand how difficult life at times has been for his parents and so I felt this year it would be appropriate to support a charity that has been most beneficial to them and other patients.

BSPA is therefore pleased to announce that their charity this year is “Children’s Kidney Fund NI”.

Not only does the fund provide invaluable help and support to families but it also provides toys /crafts and gaming devices to make those long and tedious hospital visits more bearable to the children.

The Fund also contributes to the expenses of a Children’s team attending the annual Transplant Games and provides a family fun day which is invaluable to allow families to meet outside the hospital environment.

The Fund supports the education of the multidisciplinary team, keeping the renal team update with innovations and current practices in renal care and medicine.

We hope you will help the excellent work of the “Children’s Fund N Ireland” by supporting the Ballot at all our BSPA Shows.

Recently our Artistic Director: Peter Corry was invited to present a TEDx Talk at Stormont. He chose to talk about a subject that is very important to us all, the Power of Music in our lives.

Can I recommend perhaps while you are having a wee coffee break you take time to sit and listen to his inspirational talk and remind yourself ( not that you likely need to do so) of how important Music is in our lives and especially for our children.

Well Done Peter and thank you for giving BSPA a lovely mention in your talk.

BSPA were honoured to have been invited to provide a choir to perform at a very special ceremony to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Our BSPA Choir performed two songs at the Special Ceremony to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in Stormont Buildings today.

It was such a privilege and honour to take part in this special event and we thank the Speakers office for inviting us and for looking after everyone so well. Thank you also to Seánna Hutchinson and Peter Corry for all their hard work in preparing our children, we were so proud of all our amazing young people today, great ambassadors for N Ireland.

Watch them perform ‘You’re the Voice’

The epic tale of broken dreams, passion and redemption is set against a nation in the throes of revolution…

Tickets now on sale!

Following the success of last year’s Senior Summer Project “The Producers”, Belfast
School of Performing Arts is delighted to announce that we are one of the first Youth
Companies in the UK and Ireland to be granted the rights to the worldwide musical
phenomena, “Les Misérables “ since they were re-released this year. BSPA have
staged this fantastic show before, in fact 10 years ago in The MAC Theatre, and look
forward to introducing the next generation of young performers to its powerful spell.

Winner of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65 million people world-
wide Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit.
Now adapted for youth performers, Les Misérables School Edition features one of
the most memorable scores of all time and some of the most memorable characters
to ever grace the stage.

In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment,
but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole
in the hope of starting a new life, initiating a life-long struggle for redemption as he is
relentlessly pursued by police Inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can
change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must
confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student
revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean’s adopted daughter.

The summer project will be directed by Peter Corry, who is thrilled to be reviving a
musical which has so much personal memories for him. Peter spent three years in
the formidable role of Inspector Javert both in the West End and UK tour of “Les
Misérables”.  He was also the first Producer /Director to receive special permission,
from Sir Cameron Mackintosh, to bring a concert version of Les Misérables to the
SSE Arena in 2001.   A production which at the time, was the largest to be staged
anywhere in the world so the project couldn’t be in better hands.

With the enormous talent in N. Ireland, he is excited once again to have the opportunity to put his professional and personal stamp on this world-famous show.

The Les Misérables Team

Peter Corry

Director

With over 25yrs experience in musical theatre both on stage and behind the scenes, he is the perfect person to bring our show to life.

Peter starred as Javert for 3 years both in the West End and UK Tour of Les Misérables and has performed as a singer throughout the world. As a director, he has staged shows which have toured the UK, USA and Europe.

Peter also runs his own company, Peter Corry Productions which is one of the leading entertainment producers in NI.

Peter and his team can’t wait to get started on Les Miserables

Ashley Fulton

Musical Director

Ashley has worked in Musical Theatre and singing for over 20 years as an award-winning vocal coach, musical director, performer and producer. 

He is the most successful vocal coach in Northern Ireland. To date, he has had 80 students go onto study at Drama School. This record is unprecedented and the highest number of students to go onto professional training by any individual teacher in the UK. 

Ashley is the director of BSPA Voices and was musical director for 4 of BSPA’s former summer productions

Show Info

5 shows at MAC Theatre Belfast

Dates: 24 – 26th August 2023 (Sat Matinee)

Ages: 12 – 18 years (open to all)

Auditions

Young Cossette/ young Eponine and Gavroche. Age 8-11 years ( these parts will be audition only) For more info click the link below https://forms.gle/E4dwgK4XaVdYfQ9C6

Auditions will be held on Sunday 2nd April

Please note: as usual, our BSPA Senior Summer Youth Project is open to everyone
(not just BSPA)