Juice FM

Juicy Gossip

Juice FM is one of the most popular radio shows around breakfast show host Leanne tells us her experiences so far

Adam, Mel C and Leanne

Leanne is already an accomplished actress and now has her own breakfast show on Juice FM with   co-host Adam. Their breakfast show is a big hit and continues to be as it has just been nominated for its second Sony Award. Radio was something that Leanne never expected to be involved in, but is loving every minute of it and hopes that the shows success  continues to grow.

Your radio show is a big hit what’s it like having your own breakfast show on Juice FM?

I have been on the Juice FM breakfast show for 8 years now. Everyday I laugh for hours with my friends and chat to Liverpool's wittiest and interesting people. Throw some celebrity interviews into the mix and some freebies and thats my job! Whats not to love about it? Well the 4:30am alarm call can be a bit of a downer!

How did you become involved in radio what made you decide to do this?

I am still confused when I think about my career. Radio was never a passion of mine but I am thankful everyday that I was approached to become part of the Juice FM team. I was basically leaving the Royal Court Theatre and the old boss of Juice offered me a job and that was that.

You have to do some hilarious challenges on Juice, what has been the best and worst so far?

My favourite challenge was flying a plane from Liverpool Airport I was actually six weeks pregnant but didnt know! Maybe my hormone changes gave me the courage I needed, I cant believe  I actually did it. My worst has to be abseiling off the roof of The Royal Liverpool Hospital...never again!

What do you prefer radio or theatre?

They are both so different I could never choose. Theatre gives you that buzz that only a live audience can give you, yet radio opens so many doors allowing you to challenge yourself to the most amazing experiences. I am so lucky to have both careers running at the same time.

Who is the biggest celebrity guest you have had to interview on the show, were they what you expected?
Well Take That were my favourite. Jason Orange and Mark Owen were such gents and even shared there biscuits. Boys II Men had me star struck as I am a big fan and Jessie J was so down to earth it shocked me. My dream interview would be with Usher although I would turn to mush I’m sure.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Winning a Sony Award last year was unbelieve, I didn’t understand how big a deal it actually was. It has pride of place on my kitchen window next to the fairy liquid and brillo pad.

Save The Last Dance For Me

A Step Back In Time

Get ready to be taken back to the swinging sixties with Save The Last Dance For Me

Taking Liverpool by storm Save the Last Dance will transport you on a journey back to the summer of 63, this musical will keep you singing all night with hits from Elvis, Pomus and Shuman. Based on two sisters Jennifer and Marie who set off on their first parent free holiday to the sunny seaside of Lowestoft.

However Jennifer doesn’t seem interested in the scenery as she cant take her eyes off every male on the campsite. Whilst innocent and young Marie is quite the opposite but with a turn of events she gets swept up in a whirlwind romance causing much controversy.
Beginning in a bus shelter Jennifer can’t control herself when a handsome American soldier approaches the girls, inviting them to a dance at the U.S Air Force Base. This is when the musical really comes to life featuring songs such as Viva Las Vegas, Sweets For My Sweet and Teenager In Love instantly bringing the rock and roll era back to life. The girls soon discover a world very different to their own changing their lives forever.
Little does Marie know there she will meet the love of her life Curtis a coloured U.S Airman, through their ups and downs they find one way or another to be together as they fall deeply in love.The two characters had great chemistry on stage which only enchanced their remarkable performace. Hannah Frederick was a hit with the audience as she brought her character Jennifer to light, keeping a comical edge to the musical.
The singing in the show was outstanding accompanied by the actor musicians they will make you feel as though you really are in the magic of the 1960’s. It’s a story with a happy ending that will keep you smiling and laughing the whole way through. This is definitely one for the ladies with dashing U.S soldiers taking to the stage you will be left saying ‘save the last dance for me.’

Lights, Camera, Action!

Lights, Camera, Action!

Take a look behind the scenes with director Tony Lloyd

Tony Lloyd is well respected in the Film and TV industry. Not only does he have an active part in the industry, but he also teaches and shares his experiences with his own media class. He has accomplished so much and still continues today, his passion and enthusiasm for the industry is what makes him an inspiration. 

What made you decide to become involved in the film & TV industry?From the age of about 7 onwards I was always taken to the   cinema on a regular basis this would be around 1967. You have to remember unlike today, the world of TV and Film were light years apart TV was mainly middle class, safe and in black and white. You had to get a separate aerial just to get BBC 2! Whereas sitting in the dark in the cinema in front of a 50ft screen, it wasn’t safe at all it was loud, dangerous, big and in colour. At a tender age I saw films like ‘Ben-Hur’, ‘Spartacus’, ‘Planet of the Apes’ and when I was eight, Stanley Kubrick’s ‘2001 A Space Odyssey’. Going to the Cinema and watching films, were the only place you could go to get this experience like no other and I was totally hooked. From there, you usually progress from watching to then wondering, who makes these amazing things? To eventually I want to have a go at making one and here we are today.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?The highlight of my career so far would be winning the Grand Jury prize at the New York Film Festival, for the holocaust    Documentary ‘AREK’ (2005) for two reasons. The first and most important was that it took Arek’s story to a wider  audience secondly the jury didn’t know me and had never met me. They made their decisions by just watching the film on its own merit.

What's your favourite aspect of the film industry? My favourite part of the filming is being out with the crew, presenters or actors actually making a     programme or film. There is a unique atmosphere and camaraderie which only exists within the film making process. You get to film in interesting places and meet some great and sometimes not so great people, no two days are ever, ever the same!

Who or what inspires you?Lots of things inspire me reading, music, art, poetry and in the film world everything. I look more at the pioneers of film making now DW  Griffiths, Lon Chaney, George Mêlées, James Whale, Todd Browning to name but a few because when they were filming there was nothing before them. They were making and   discovering the rules of film making up there as they went along, which I find incredible. When ever I see something by Orson Welles, Stanley Kubrick or Roman Polanski, Michael Powell or any of the old Hammer Horror films the list is for me is endless. They all make you want to go and play with a camera, to do as they have done and become film makers. Just saying this makes me want to watch a film now.

Do you have an area of expertise?I have always wanted to direct so you have got to know most key crews jobs. But for a director it is about communication, people skills, having a vision and communicating it to all who need to know. Creating the right atmosphere to help creativity on set or location, seeing the project as a whole from the beginning, middle and the end plus visualising. I attended art college before I ever went to film college.

Are you currently working on any new projects?Yes we have just completed a Teaser Trailer for a proposed six part vampire themed TV show. Also I am writing scripts one of them is a drama called Patricia Wendy and a horror film called Sweet Meat.

What made you decide to start teaching as a career?Inevitably teaching comes and finds you, I enjoy the buzz and enjoyment I see in others, when they are introduced to films or directors they have never heard of before and the nurturing of new and budding talent. To teach properly though, I feel you still have to be going out there regularly, film making in the real world. Only after doing all of that, can you honestly come back to the class room with things worthy to teach others.

White Christmas

Let It Snow

West End Musical White Christmas comes to Liverpool!

White Christmas is a classic and perfect for the Christmas season full of romance, humour and sparkle. This magnificent production of the original film ‘Holiday Inn’ based in the 1950’s gives you a feel of that real Hollywood glamour. 
The set and costumes proved to be outstanding and lavish no expense seemed to be spared and it showed. The set constantly changed taking you from a dressing room, to a train station, a barn and so much more. There was a good sized orchestra that kept your foot tapping all night to Irving Berlin classics such as Sisters, Blue Skies and White Christmas.     
The story begins in 1944 at the start of the war with Captain Bob Wallace and Private Phil Davis entertaining their troops, you are then quickly transported back to America post war 1954 to their performance on the Ed Sullivan Show.The four leading characters did a fantastic job as Second World War veterans who are a song and dance act Bob Wallace and Phil Davis played by Aled Jones and Adam Cooper. As well as the lovely singing duo the Hain’s sisters Betty and Judy played by Amy Ellen Richardson and Louise Bowden, who certainly made their presence known with their top class performances.
The production tells a tale of Bob and Phil who just happen to be looking for love conveniently follow the stunning Haynes sisters to a ski lodge in Vermont. Owned by an old army commander General Waverly whose business is going through a tough time due to the lack of snow. Joining forces they do everything they can to help the General, by creating their own show bringing customers back to the mountain resort. With lots of romantic and surprising twists along the way, you wont be disappointed.  
Simply stunning song and dance numbers continued to mesmerise and capture the audience. One that stood out in   particular to the song ‘I Love Piano’ was the spectacular tap dancing delight, that showed off the incredible talent of the dancers. This proved to be a huge hit with the audience and it couldn’t of received a better response.  
All the cast were full of energy and enthusiasm throughout the musical, Aled Jones continued to surprise with a good performance, apart from the odd time his American accent seemed to have a welsh twang to it. Amy Ellen amazed as her voice filled the theatre and was pitch perfect she managed to steal the show. A real top class performance this will definitely leave you wanting a White Christmas!

The Greenroom

The Greenroom

The Greenroom situated in Liverpool Duke Street is a fantastic new and upcoming cabaret bar and lounge part owned by Ricky Tomlinson and the Wallace brothers. This club is one of a kind with nothing else like it in Liverpool the Greenroom is going from strength to strength. 

                                                      Ricky hosting at The Greenroom

The Greenroom is a breath of fresh air taking you back to the days of great cabaret. From traditional compares, singers, comedians and magicians the Greenroom offers you a bit of everything and that’s even before you have got to the headliner.
Hosting some of the most famous acts around such as Bobby Davro, Alexander O’Neal, Brian Conley and Joe Longthorne. The club also has various tribute acts such as Michael Buble, Elton John, Take That and Queen. Also showcasing young and upcoming talent such as the sensational operatic Johnson Brothers and Gemma McDowell who are set for stardom. Receiving rave reviews the Greenroom never fails to disappoint you are guaranteed a brilliant night out.
As you enter the club you are greeted with a glass of complimentary champagne. The style of the club is set out like a traditional cabaret lounge as you are shown to your table by the friendly staff. Once you are sat at your table there is no need to move due to the excellent waitress and waiter service.
The atmosphere is built up throughout the evening through various different acts, by the time the main artist enters the stage there is a real buzz in the room. A full nights entertainment all for the price of £15, if there is a better value for money night out in Liverpool I have yet to find it.

Current acts at The Greenroom

Bobby Davro and Ricky                                                                   The Johnson Brothers

Elton John Tribute

Little Scouse on the Prairie

Little Scouse on the Prairie

The 'Scousest' play in town!  

This Christmas the Royal court gives you Little Scouse on the Prairie. Another fantastic play produced by Fred Lawless who has yet again managed to top himself this year by giving you his very own ‘scouse’ version of the Wild West.
This play is original and one of a kind giving a modern twist to your classic pantomime. If you are looking for a lot of laughter, fun and adventure then this play is perfect. With hilarious one-liners and song lyrics this play sent the whole audience into fits of laughter.
Mark Walter impressed with his set that easyily transformed from the local pub twisting around to reveal a Western saloon that included a small stage for the burlesque dancers. The cast of Royal Court regulars took to the stage including  Liverpool’s very own Andrew Scofield, Rachael Rae and Lindzi Germain who as always gave putstanding performances.
The story is kept simple with a family struggling to pay the rent for their pub in Speke, as the drunken Irish Priest Father O'Flaherty played by Alan Stocks and the gambeling nuns have put them in risk of closure. To try and increase profits they decide to hold a Wild West fancy dress night.
Entering the stage Mr Baddington (Paul Duckworth) makes his grand and menacing entrance demanding money from the family to pay their rent. Donna Marie (Rachel Rae) is terrified of the thought of losing her home and believes that her husband Dick has forgotten their anniversary and no longer cares.
She finds herself transported to the Wild Wild West through the magic of the Super Lamb Banana, taking Donna Marie to a land far away the Arizona town of Halewood. Finding strange characters along the way that are a lot like her family and husband who takes the form of a man called Walt Disney.
Every single character gave an outstanding performance including entertaining song and dance routines. Flawless has done a great job taking pop songs and giving them a comical ‘scouse’ twist.
This is a great pantomime to see with family and friends, if your looking for an evening full of laughs this is definitely for you!

Industry Insight

Industry Insight

Daniel Kenright a young upcoming actor shares his experiences in one of the toughest businesses around!

What experience have you had so far since graduating from the Liverpool Media Academy?
Mainly plays and short films, I have also started to do more of my own work, we have set up a theatre company and are putting on our own plays. I have also set up a production company making our own short films and our first feature is in the summer. So I’m creating my own experiences as well as looking for them. 

Are you finding it difficult to break into the industry?
Yes I am because it takes a lot to even get an agent, the audition process and then actually getting cast. It is all about your look more than anything, it is very difficult but you have just got to keep going.

How did you get into acting and what made you pursue it as a career?
I was throwing a strop one day in work and I was sick of my job and found a leaflet for acting and thought I would give it a go and since then I have never looked back. 

What is the best part of being an actor?
Being someone else, being able to play a psycho or anything that’s not normal.

What are you looking to achieve?
Just to get into a position were I can play any part and be paid well for it.
Do you have any advice you could give to up and coming actors?
Just to try and get involved as much as possible, whether its plays, student events or short films to build up your CV and show reel learning from the experience that you get.

Can you think of your most embarrassing audition so far?
I had one for a perfume commercial where they pulled me into a room and then went back into the casting room and got a girl to come in. They said can you two just stand there and dance as though you are in a bar and we started dancing, then they said now can you turn around and look at each other. Now kiss each other keep it going now put her on the table they made me do this about six times for about 15 minutes, I had jaw ache.

Who do you look up to in the acting world? Anyone like Tom Hanks, who can play multiple roles. I actually really like Leonardo DeCaprio I think he’s brilliant and slightly under rated.

What has been your most difficult role so far? The hardest role I have had to play is Othello. I’d say anything to do with Shakespeare is very hard, just understanding the language but once you do it its very powerful.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? Probably the theatre company that I have created along with some friends, we put on our first show on and I co-directed it. We only had one show but we sold out that night and got really great feed back from it, so yes definitely that.  

                                                             Actor Daniel Kenright