Benidorm star checks in for graduation ceremony

Merseyside actress Elsie Kelly – who is best known for playing Noreen Maltby in the ITV sitcom Benidorm – played a starring role at the graduation ceremony for Liverpool Theatre School and Studio 76 recently (5 July) as she presented awards to graduating students.

During the ceremony, which took place at the Liverpool Empire Theatre, Elsie congratulated students on their achievements as they collected their certificates.

The acclaimed actress and producer also spoke about her own career in show business, which includes television appearances in shows such as Benidorm, Crossroads, The Famous Five and Ghost Hunters. As well as working in television, Elsie also spent more than 45 years as resident director of BOST (Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust), where she worked on productions such as Oliver, 42^nd Street, Annie and Hello Dolly.

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Benidorm star Elsie Kelly celebrates with Liverpool Theatre School graduates.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Elsie said: “I’m honoured to have been invited to be a part of the celebrations on such a special day. There is so much talent coming out of Liverpool Theatre School and Studio 76 and it’s fabulous to meet the next generation of young stars as they take their next steps into the world of performing.

“As someone who has enjoyed a wonderful career in theatre and television, I’m sure there are some very exciting times ahead for this talented bunch of young performers. This is just the beginning for them and I wish them all the luck in the world.”

Liverpool Theatre School

Maxine Ellis, Principal at both Liverpool Theatre School and Studio 76, said: “Elsie is hugely supportive of the work we do to help nurture talented young performers and we are thrilled that she has played a part in our graduation celebrations.

“All of our graduating students have worked so hard to complete their training and I am extremely proud of each and every one of them. In recent years, we have seen our graduates go on to perform in hit shows from the West End to Las Vegas and I am very much looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this year’s graduating students. I am confident they will go on to enjoy successful careers in the industry.”

Students graduating from Liverpool Theatre School received a Trinity College London Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre after three years of training, while Studio 76 graduates were awarded a BTEC Level 3 Extended Performing Arts Diploma having completed a two-year course.

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Studio 76

Liverpool Theatre School, which is celebrating its 80^th anniversary this year, is only one of two places in the north west to offer the prestigious Trinity College London Diploma in both Professional Musical Theatre and Professional Acting. The training college also plans to launch a new Musical Theatre BTEC course in September.

Sister dance academy, Studio 76 provides fully funded training for young people from the age of 14. There are just 20 places available at Studio 76 every year, which are offered based on auditions and academic results.