WE live in an age dominated by the cult of celebrity, an age in which it often seems that the only thing people want is fame.

The Premiere, a musical drama written by playwright Ben Myers, with score by Phil White, brilliantly articulates the perils of getting what you wish for and the illusory nature of fame.

Brought to the Courtyard by The Midnite Youth Theatre Company from Australia, the production obviously boasted no big name stars, but there were undoubtedly some talented actors of the future in the cast of around 30. And while it may have lacked the polished professional finish of more experienced actors, the cast more than made up for that with energy, conviction and raw talent.

Opening as the next big thing in Hollywood, Johnny Grey, is awarded an Oscar, the play goes on to examine the cult of celebrity, from inside and out. Johnny buys into the hype too heavily, believing too easily that he is what the media has created and leaving his humanity behind. Salvation is possible, but tragedy almost inevitably strikes. The question then is whether Johnny can learn from it, or whether his need for celebrity is all that's left.

With roots firmly in the great tradition of Greek tragedy, with its themes of greed, love and revenge, The Premiere is very much a tale of our times - a fable that anyone with a hunger for fame would do well to heed.