JOE Meighan, 20, was thrilled when he was asked to direct Altrincham Garrick’s youth version of The Phantom of the Opera.

He said: “I have enjoyed collaborating with them on set design and wardrobe.”

Already an experienced producer, Joe started Meighan Youth Theatre Productions when he was only 15.

He has directed four shows at the Garrick but this will be his first for the company itself.

The four musicals were Grease, Thank you for the Musicals, Footloose and, last year’s big hit, Les Miserables.

The 26-strong cast of 14-21-year-olds, will include opera students from the Royal Northern College of Music.

Musical director, Dan McDwyer studies there. Joe said: “Dan conducts several orchestras around Manchester. He is excited about it.”

Jake Robson, the singer who plays Raoul, also studies atthe RNCM. “He has a beautiful baritone voice,” said Joe.

Beatrice Marshall and Daniel Upchurch who play the top singers in the Paris Opera House are from there, too.

Jessica Heaps, 20, takes on the role of Christine. “She is really good. I remember her saying it was her dream role.”

The Phantom, Chris Wagstaff, is still in the sixth form at Joe’s old school, Wellacre Academy “It’s difficult because he has to illustrate his personality as well as singing beautifully,” he said.

The choreographer is Kirsty Hooper who trained at Manchester’s Northern Ballet School

Joe said: “We are setting about it differently. For example, the set design is illusionary. It will be a new look Phantom."

It has been hard for Joe, a second year student at Mountview Academy in London. For ten weeks he studied six full days a week then travelled home on Saturday evenings and conducted rehearsals all day on Sundays. Now back in Flixton for the Easter break, life is a little easier.

* The Phantom of the Opera is at Altrincham Garrick from April 13-17. For tickets call 0161 928 1677.