One of Liverpool’s longest running performing arts schools has announced plans for a musical theatre extravaganza as students past and present come together to perform a collection of hits from top West End shows. Liverpool Theatre School’s ‘Magic of the Musicals’ 80th anniversary performance, which will raise funds for Garston Animal Rescue, will take place in the Auditorium at the Echo Arena on Sunday 27 January 2019.
Liverpool Theatre School, just one of two places in the North West to offer the highly regarded Trinity College London Diploma in both Professional Musical Theatre and Professional Acting, was established by Anastasia Morrisey in 1939.
Her granddaughter, Norah Button, who also celebrates her 80th birthday in 2019, went on to take the mantle at Liverpool Theatre School when Anastasia became ill. Norah, who is known for training and choreographing Ken Dodd’s Diddymen, was awarded Freedom of the City in 2010 for her contribution to dance, singing and drama through her work at Liverpool Theatre School.
She said: “I am very much looking forward to the 80th birthday celebrations and I would like to invite all musical theatre fans along to enjoy the show, especially those who have been part of the Liverpool Theatre School family over the years.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to train so many talented young performers at Liverpool Theatre School, many of whom have gone on to star in hit shows from the West End to Broadway. It really has been an amazing journey and I am sure my grandmother would be very proud of the part Liverpool Theatre School has played, and continues to play, in so many people’s lives. Here’s to the next 80 years!”
Former Liverpool Theatre School student, Maxine Ellis, joined Norah as Co-Principal in 2001 following a successful stage career, which took her across Europe and America. Maxine became sole Principal of Liverpool Theatre School in 2011.
She said: “Nothing makes me more proud than seeing performers trained by Liverpool Theatre School on stage so having some of our most successful alumni join current students for our 80th anniversary show is set to be really special.
“Liverpool Theatre School was built on the ethos that performing arts training should be accessible to all, not just the privileged few. Although the school has evolved a lot over the years, widening access to professional training is still as much part of our mission as it was 80 years ago.”
As part of an initiative to increase professional training opportunities for all talented performers, regardless of financial circumstances, Liverpool Theatre School recently became the first stage school in the country to scrap its audition fees, which can cost between £45 – £65.
Tickets for Liverpool Theatre School’s ‘Magic of the Musicals’ start from £17.50 and are on sale now at: https://www.echoarena.com/whats-on/liverpool-theatre-schools-magic-of-the-musicals/
To find out more about Liverpool Theatre School, visit www.liverpooltheatreschool.co.uk
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