LIPA students visit The Bodyguard Musical

THE cast and company of The Bodyguard have had a visit form over 50 students from LIPA in support of the show opening in Liverpool. Some of the students met with stars Alexandra Burke (Rachel Marron) and Benoit Marechal (Frank Farmer). The show is produced by LIPA Companion Michael Harrison, together with David Ian. Michael Harrison has given several talks at LIPA in recent years for students keen to pursue a career in Performing Arts. He was awarded the title of LIPA Companion in 2012 in recognition of his outstanding achievement and his practical contribution to students' learning.

One LIPA student said that:- "It's so exciting to stand on this stage with 2 really talented successful performers, such as Alexandra and Benoit. The Bodyguard is one of the most popular touring shows out there, it would be a dream to perform in a show like this, particularly on the Empire stage. Alexandra and Benoit have been giving us tips and advice and we're really excited to see the show."

The Bodyguard is at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday, 9 March 2019.

Miss Southport will not be held this year

LAST year over 20k women across the country enter Miss England in a series of heats around the country and online. Those included Miss Liverpool City Region and Miss Southport. The Miss England is the only competition in the country to send its winner in to Miss World. Unlike most, this is a competition, it's much more than a physical beauty contest. All those taking part, at all levels have to raising awareness for various charities, both locally to them as well as nationally. They are also expected to become ambassadors for the area they are representing. Plus should they win Miss World then becomes a global charity ambassador for the year as her role for the charity:- BeautyWithAPurpose.Com.  Women no longer parade on stage in swimwear since Angie and Miss England 2009 former British Soldier Katrina Hodge who won a bravery award in the army axed the bikini parade from the contest in 2009. Now the swimwear section is optional, contestants who reached the final are invited to submit a swimwear photo of themselves and some opt out!

Sadly this year, despite Miss Southport being 1 of the oldest running titles within the competition is not going to have a contest. This is very disappointing for all those hoping to take part and also for the organisers, but the decision has not been taken lightly by the Miss England Group.  Over the last 2 years, it has been increasingly hard for organisers to get contestants for the Heat and also to raise the required costs to be cover the competition's costs and to raise money for good the courses they intend to help.  With 2019 looking set to be even harder to get the required funding, the decision has been made that the Town's Heat will not be run this year. But all those who are interested can still enter the Miss Liverpool City Region Heat, of the Miss England / Miss World Competition.

"This is not a political move or a snub at the area, but realistically, we have to look at the issues we have faced over the last 2 years in Southport and make an assessment from that.  So we are focusing this year in boosting the Regional Title as this covers the hole of Merseyside and the Liverpool City Region, including Southport.  This decision has not been taken lightly, but with the growing financial undercurrent, the change of demographics within the age groups that live and work within the local area, we feel the focus being placed on the overall Regional title would be far better placed.  We are still going to support all the good courses within Southport, but via the Miss Liverpool City Region Heat Winner and not a Miss Southport Winner. This will also mean that the Miss Liverpool City Region title holder will also be visiting events in both Formby and Southport, as they already do."  A spokesperson for Miss Liverpool City Region told us.

If you want to enter Miss Liverpool City Region 2019, please go to:- Miss-Liverpool-City-Region.Com and keep an eye out for updates within the next week. Also you can already enter the Heat via logging onto:- MissEngland.Info.

Free acting and musical theatre workshops for pupils in Merseyside

PUPILS in Merseyside are set to benefit from free workshops in both acting and musical theatre, as part of an outreach initiative by Liverpool Theatre School. The Aigburth Stage School will deliver the sessions to Secondary Schools and 6th form Colleges across the Region to help support and encourage talented young performers. During the workshops, pupils will have an opportunity to learn some of the basic principles of acting or performing in musical theatre. Pupils can also find out more about working in the industry and pick up some useful tips from the experts.

Maxine Ellis, Principal at Liverpool Theatre School, said:- "Our outreach programme is designed to give Secondary School pupils and College students an insight into the performing arts industry as an attainable career choice, regardless of their financial circumstances. Widening access to professional training is very much part of the ethos at Liverpool Theatre School, which is why we offer a number of funded places including scholarships with The Stage and the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation. During the fun and interactive workshops, our team will be on hand to offer practical advice on everything from preparing for auditions to accessing financial support."

Liverpool Theatre School, which recently became the 1st Stage School in the country to axe its audition fees, is the only training organisation in Merseyside to offer the highly regarded Trinity College London Diploma, in both Professional Musical Theatre and Professional Acting. Liverpool Theatre School alumni include performers who are starring in hit shows from the West End to Las Vegas, including:- Carina Gillespie (appearing in Wicked in the West End) and Tommy Sherlock (starring in Tenors of Rock in Las Vegas).

The free workshops in professional acting and musical theatre are available to all Secondary Schools and Colleges, within Merseyside. Contact:- Info@LiverpoolTheatreSchool.Co.UK or call:- 0151 728 7800 for further information.