Niall horan in the audience as another mullingar star steps out in the west end

You wouldn’t know who to approach first for autographs if you were at London’s Palace Theatre last night.

On stage was Mullingar actor and singer, Mark Irwin, who is currently playing a leading role in The Commitments, at the theatre, in London’s West End – and offstage was another familiar Mullingar face, 1D star, Niall Horan.

After the show, Niall went backstage to meet Mark, who is a graduate of the London School of Musical Theatre.

Niall brought a very special woman to see The Commitments - his mum, Maura.

A great time was had by all.

Mark first took an interest in performing and singing at the age of seven when he attended St Kenny NS. Ann Caulfield entered him in the Cathedral Boys choir with Brother Crummey, and he continued with that for nine years. During that time he started private singing lessons with Dervla Conlon-Malone, and went on to win the Feis Ceol Tenor Solo. Mark says he owes a lot to his former teacher for bringing on his voice to where it is today.

Mark also attributes much of his success to the people at Mullingar Arts Centre, where he starred in Les Miserable, at 14. From there parts in West Side Story, Fame, as well as playing Prince Charming in Mullingar Panto Group’s Aladdin followed.

- See more at: http://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/whatson/roundup/articles/2014/01/31/4019394-mullingars-mark-irwin-rising-star-of-londons-west-end/#sthash.Av9m2GMp.2llzzqpq.dpuf