STARS of the future.

That’s the claim of CODYS, Warrington’s top musical theatre group for young people aged 11 to 19.

If you saw them in action last week you would be in no doubt over the accuracy of those words.

Incredibly, the group is 20 years old. Over five packed-out nights at Runcorn’s Brindley, they celebrated their achievements in their newest production, Musicality.

More than 100 past, present and future (younger section Show Kids) members of the company performed songs from shows including Les Mis, Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease, Cats and Beauty and the Beast.

Also celebrated were the group’s appearance on Britain’s Got Talent and a gala performance of Billy Elliot.

Video messages of former members now starring in West End shows paid tribute to Nick Cupit, whose vision has made the CODYS phenomenon possible.

He set up the youth group in September 1996 with a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was the start of an incredible journey that has seen CODYS become a powerhouse musical theatre group that puts many a professional show to shame.

The youngsters’ love and respect for this self-effacing man was obvious from the smiles and tears when Nick stepped on stage to give thanks at the end of the show.

Nick is supported by a brilliant, loyal backroom team which includes Gemma Thorniley and Tim Barrow.

Every show is completely voluntary and when you consider the cost of staging Musicality was £25,000 you get an idea of the effort and pressure involved.

For the confidence, self-esteem and springboard he has given hundreds of young people over the years, Nick Cupit deserves the highest honour from Warrington for services to his community.

And so to the show itself. Videos of the original productions played in the background as the cast performed. It’s very hard to pick out individual performers as this was a stunning ensemble show.

But Nick Gartland’s Music of the Night from Phantom was truly mesmerising. It was poignant as this was Nick’s final show, as it was too for Phoebe Williams, whose exquisitely pure voice has set her out as a brilliant leading lady. Nick and Phoebe are now off to study musical theatre at the Guildford School of Acting.

The good news is there are plenty of youngsters rising through the ranks. Watch out for Joe Campbell and Ellie Norton.

All that’s left for me to do is to congratulate CODYS and wish them a very happy 20th birthday.

CODYS’ next show is The Wiz at the Brindley in March 2017. Make sure you book your ticket to see the stars of the future.