There was singing, dancing and a touch of stardust in the air at the Convention Centre in Dublin today as young performers gathered to audition for Toy Show, the Musical.
The show, based on the Late Late Toy Show opens at the venue in December and tells the story of a 12-year-old girl called Nell, who watches the Toy Show every year with her family.
Following an open call, hundreds of young people across the country sent in audition tapes and twenty four girls were then called for today's in-person auditions.
Casting director Maureen Hughes told RTÉ News that Nell is the "beating heart" of the show, and drives the entire narrative.
She said the producers are looking for an extraordinary actress and singer and were "really really" happy with the talent that has emerged so far.
Maureen, who has worked on Love/Hate among other productions said that Ireland punches above its weight in terms of talent, and that young Irish people are more ambitious than ever before.
Toy Show, The Musical is being directed by Séimí Campbell who said the auditions have uncovered a number of future stars.
Some of the girls who auditioned go to stage schools but others, he said, just sing in their community or at home and he said the aim to to create a great original Irish musical which will feel very authentic.
Three girls will be chosen to play the part of Nell, while others will be part of an ensemble cast.
Toy Show The Musical runs at the Auditorium at the Convention Centre, Dublin from Saturday, 10 December. Tickets, priced from €25, are on sale now.
