Talented Mungret man Stephen Ryan has fulfilled a lifelong dream to take a coveted place at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London, which has produced many stars of stage and screen.

The 19 year old will study for this three year BA in Musical Theatre Performance which will include modules in acting, singing, movement, characterisation and dancing at the academy.

Mountview has produced some of the UK's leading performers and actors over its twenty five year history and graduates include Connie Fisher (Winner of 'How do you solve a problem like Maria' on BBC) Mark Powell from stage show Evita and Paul Cattermole of SClub7 fame.

The busy student is also working hard to get some local sponsorship to help with the €16,000 a year tuition fees.

"It is difficult to work in London as this course starts at 8.30am every morning and we don't finish until after 6pm. It is a full day and very physically demanding," he explained.

On December 17, there will be a fundraising concert at the University Concert Hall.

Stephen was chosen from hundreds who auditioned for the very few places at the private college and is the only Irish person to gain entry to the course this year.

"Since I played the role of Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Crescent College Comprehensive it was clear to me that I really wanted to study the performing arts. Getting this place in Mountview Academy is affording me this opportunity," he said.

"I am elated; this is the place I wanted to get to and I feel very privileged to be given this opportunity to study at such a prestigious school."

He was a student of Spotlight Stage School and CentreStage Theatre School, has appeared on The Late Late Toy Show.

He is the son of Limerick theatre figure Richie Ryan and has received extensive support from friends and family members, including his aunt, Judy O'Connor.

"Stephen was born to be an entertainer. When he was very small he would stand in front of the television singing and dancing along to all the musicals, his career path was obvious from a very early age," she said.

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