THE balance of power is shifting in York's amateur stage scene. Rowntree Musical Theatre was unable to muster a cast for Godspell, so the production was cancelled, whereas the rise of Shipton Theatre Company continues apace.

So much so that it is hard to recall a production with such a hotbed of young talent (and this time that was without Ryedale wunderkind Scott Garnham, who has been so instrumental in Shipton's ascent).

Director Robert Readman - even more prominent in propelling Shipton to the York amateur premiership - has brought together a cast with its eyes on stage school and a professional career beyond.

Perfect, of course, for Fame, the musical that follows the hopes and fears, the highs and lows, the graft and the craft, the friendships and the romances as the latest intake at New York's High School of Performing Arts progresses from first audition to graduation.

It is good to note too that Readman has given the green light to young blood to play leading roles in the production team.

Cast members Lauren Hood, Laurie Scarth and Verity Carr have been entrusted with the choreography, and what vibrant choreography it is, while Abbi Wright puts her ongoing theatre design studies at York St John College to good use by designing the two-tier set. She also has fun bashing the hell out of her role as drummer Grace 'Lambchops' Lamb.

Midweek, and the Joseph Rowntree Theatre is packed with a family audience, and in particular young theatregoers, who whoop and holler and whistle their enthusiastic response to each solo number. Hood and Scarth compete for the best vocal performance of the night, Hood's Serena Katz fantastically expressive in both Let's Play A Love Scene and Think Of Meryl Streep and Scarth's drug-addicted Carmen Diaz bringing heart-rending emotion to In LA.

Jean-Pierre Bolet excels as the rebellious Tyrone Jackson, Emily Taylor's Iris Kelly dazzles with her poised dancing and Nick Holbek has that rare gift among young actors of being able to bring stillness and weight to his role as Schlomo. Sarah Barker's Miss Sherman ensures not only youth has its day.

In the words of the closing number, bring on tomorrow for these rising talents - and see Fame today.

Box office: 01904 623568/481855.

Updated: 09:34 Thursday, June 17, 2004