Budding young performers invited to join free musical masterclass at the Sir Ken Dodd Happiness Hall

One of the city’s longest running performing arts schools, Liverpool Theatre School, is inviting young performers between the ages of 5-16 to take part in a free musical theatre masterclass at 10am on Saturday 25^th September.

The event, which is set to take place at The Sir Ken Dodd Happiness Hall for Church and Community in Knotty Ash, is designed to give the next generation of theatre stars a chance to develop their singing, dancing and acting skills.

Leading the special masterclass will be former Liverpool Theatre School student and musical theatre star, James Lacey, who trained at the centre of excellence before joining the cast of shows such as Shrek, High School Musical, Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 and The Sound of Music.

Speaking on the event, Liverpool Theatre School’s Norah Button said:

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming the city’s budding young performers to this exciting masterclass with the hugely talented James Lacey. The sessions will be tailored to suit different age groups and abilities so whether you’re just starting out or you feel right at home on the stage, I would encourage any young people with an interest in musical theatre to join us.”

Sir Ken Dodd
Picture Andy Hollingworth

She added: “Sir Ken Dodd was a huge supporter and long-time patron of Liverpool Theatre School and we’re incredibly excited about staging this event at such a special venue as we aim to inspire the next generation of great Liverpool performers!”

Liverpool Theatre School worked very closely with Sir Ken Dodd on his stage shows, choreographing his beloved ‘Diddymen’ and training young dancers to perform the routines for the ‘Ken Dodd Happiness Show’.

Lady Anne Dodd, who is a member of the Parochial Church Council, which runs The Sir Ken Dodd Happiness Hall, said:

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming Liverpool Theatre School and the city’s talented young people to The Sir Ken Dodd Happiness Hall and I can’t wait to hear the place echo with the sound of singing, dancing and laughter.”

The Happiness Hall, located on Thomas Lane, Knotty Ash, was built as a school in 1837 and Sir Ken Dodd was one of its most famous pupils. It ceased being a school in the early 60s and was used by St John’s Church for many years before the building went into disrepair. Through Anne, Lady Dodd as Trustee of The Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation, the hall has been totally restored and extended to provide a wonderful space for church and community events.

Liverpool Theatre School, which boasts a long list of success stories with former students going on to appear in hit shows such as Wicked, Frozen the Musical, Les Miserables, The Book of Mormon and Blood Brothers, is planning to launch regular musical theatre classes at The Sir Ken Dodd Happiness Hall following the masterclass event.

Find out more on the website here.

To reserve a place at Liverpool Theatre School’s free musical theatre masterclass at The Sir Ken Dodd Happiness Hall on 25^th September, please email norah@liverpooltheatreschool.com.