Young Southport performer lands on his feet with Sir Ken Dodd Scholarship at Liverpool Theatre School

The young performer impressed an audition panel with his singing, dancing and acting talent, which earned him the prestigious musical theatre bursary for a three-year diploma course at the elite performing arts school. 

Nathan Power, 16, from Southport is one step closer to achieving his dream of becoming a professional musical theatre star after being awarded the Sir Ken Dodd scholarship at Liverpool Theatre School. 

The former Meols Cop High School pupil, who trained with Julie Ann Carr, Southport Dance Academy and King’s School of Dance, was up against hundreds of talented young people auditioning for the coveted scholarship, funded by The Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation. 

A gifted performer with a promising future ahead, Nathan has appeared in a number of shows at local theatres and is also a member of BOS Musical Theatre Company.

He now has his sights set on a career in the West End, joining the ranks of Liverpool Theatre School alumni who can be seen in smash-hit shows such as SIX, Blood Brothers, Wicked and the West End adaptation of Frozen. 

Liverpool Theatre School’s Norah Button said:

“Nathan has real natural talent and an obvious passion for musical theatre. His audition performance was exceptional and he is very well deserving of this special scholarship, which honours the legacy of one of the greatest entertainers of our time. 

“Sir Ken Dodd was a dear friend and as a patron of Liverpool Theatre School he was always eager to support emerging local talent. We’re incredibly grateful to the Ken Dodd Foundation for this scholarship and we’re looking forward to welcoming Nathan to Liverpool Theatre School.” 

Lady Anne Dodd, wife of Sir Ken Dodd, added:

“It’s been wonderful to meet Nathan, who is clearly a very talented young man and a worthy recipient of this scholarship. We’re very pleased to be able to support him on his musical theatre journey as he begins training at the fabulous Liverpool Theatre School. Congratulations Nathan!” 

Speaking on his achievement, Nathan said:

“I was so excited to find out I’d been given the Sir Ken Dodd scholarship. I saw my first show, Carousel, at Southport Little Theatre at the age of four and then landed my first role in Whistle Down the Wind with BOS musical theatre company a year later. I’ve been performing ever since. Having the chance to train professionally is like a dream come true. I’d love to perform in the West End one day. I can’t wait to start training at Liverpool Theatre School, I’m really lucky to have such an amazing opportunity.”

Accepting only the most gifted students, the Ofsted ‘outstanding’ rated Liverpool Theatre School provides industry recognised Trinity and BTEC qualifications in dance, musical theatre and acting, all designed to prepare young people for life as professional performers. 

Liverpool Theatre School regularly stages shows at local theatres with final year students having the opportunity to perform in front of an audience of industry influencers in the heart of London’s West End. The performing arts school provides a number of fully funded places and bursaries to help make professional training more accessible.  

Liverpool Theatre School also welcomes budding young performers, between the ages of 6-16, to evening and weekend classes at its Junior Academy. 

Sir Ken Dodd, who was a patron of Liverpool Theatre School, inspired generations of entertainers and a new scholarship in his name was announced earlier this year. Throughout his career, the late comedian regularly worked with Liverpool Theatre School, whose Junior Academy students appeared as the famous Diddymen during his live shows.

Performers from Liverpool Theatre School’s Junior Academy will make their next appearance as the Diddymen in September at the launch a new exhibition called Happiness, which celebrates Sir Ken Dodd at the Museum of Liverpool.  

For more on Liverpool Theatre School click HERE.