Latest news with #LiverpoolInstituteforPerformingArts
ITV News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Tributes paid to 19-year-old actress from Lancashire who died in crash
The family of a gifted 19-year-old performer who died in a car crash have paid tribute to their "shining star". Rosa Taylor, from Upholland, Lancashire was on her way to a theatre performance when the car she was travelling in collided with a lorry on the A4 Bath Road in Corsham on Thursday 24 July. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family and friends have described as a 'shining star' and 'the most beautiful person inside and out.' 'Anyone who knew Rosa would agree that she was the most beautiful person inside and out,' said her father, Gareth Taylor. 'She was the very definition of a spirit that shines brightly and dies young, loved by anyone who met her. She was at once the most talented, most beautiful, and most loving soul I've ever known.' A passionate performer from a young age, Rosa immersed herself in the world of theatre. She starred in lead roles at the Artz Centre in Skelmersdale before going on to study Musical Theatre at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) Sixth Form College. Rosa had recently earned a place at the prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London, where she was due to start in September. Her talent lit up stages across the region. She performed in Legally Blonde: The Musical with the Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre and, more recently, in WOW That's What I Call Musicals at the Liverpool Playhouse with Wow Liverpool. In July 2025, Rosa took on the lead role in SCRUMPTIOUS!, a touring production by the Beggars Belief Collective. She was on her way to a performance at Corsham Library when the accident occurred. Alongside her theatre work, Rosa brought joy to children as a professional entertainer with PICK'N'MIX Parties in Liverpool, transforming into characters like Ariana Grande, Princess Jasmine, and Belle from Beauty and the Beast. She also worked at Briar's Hall Hotel in Ormskirk, where she was known for her warm and welcoming nature. Rosa's legacy will live on through the memories she created and the lives she touched. She is remembered by those who loved her as 'the greatest friend anyone could have asked for,' and 'the most naturally gifted performer you had ever seen.'
Irish Daily Mirror
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
James Nesbitt left 'gobsmacked' by bill in restaurant, 'in a good way'
A famous actor surprised staff and customers at a Liverpool restaurant earlier this week. Staff at Papillon in Hope Street in the city were not expecting to see James Nesbitt pop in for what was not his first visit to the eatery. James has featured in several hit shows over the years such as Cold Feet, Bloodlands and The Missing. He visited Merseyside this week to receive a companionship from Sir Paul McCartney at a Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) graduation ceremony on Tuesday (July 29) but found time the day after to pop into the restaurant for his lunch. James posed for pictures with staff and those eating in the restaurant, reports The Liverpool Echo. He and two friends shared a gambas pil pil, buttermilk barbecue chicken tenders and a pepperoni pizza, with two bottles of Viognier and a bottle of premium Ripasso. The bill came to around £140 (approximately €160). Sir Paul McCartney James Nesbitt at the LIPA graduation ceremony on Tuesday (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire) Speaking to the Liverpool Echo about what James was like, Leigh Elliott, a 33 year-old from West Derby in Liverpool who is Papillon's social media manager, said: "It was fabulous meeting him. He was lovely and super sociable with all the guests. "He kept taking time out of his visit to speak to people who recognised him. He really loved the restaurant and said the food and wine were great. "He enjoyed the vibe and commented on how affordable the prices were, even though he was buying premium wine. He was gobsmacked by the price of the bill, in a good way. One of the chefs said he's been here before, so this might have been his second visit. We were definitely surprised to see him as he just came along as a walk-in. This wasn't a pre-booked visit." James praised the work of students at LIPA on Tuesday as he was honoured alongside James Bond director Sir Sam Mendes, actor Adrian Lester and indie band The Wombats, who were formed at LIPA. At the ceremony, which took place at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, James said: "I'm so honoured to accept this award from LIPA. James Nesbitt in the restaurant with staff member Craig (Image: Leigh Elliott/Papillon) "When I visited a few months ago to speak to a group of students I was immediately struck by just what an extraordinary seat of learning this is, home to inspirational teachers and magnificent facilities out of which clearly pours creativity, innovation, passion, authenticity, collaboration and joy. "After my talk I was lucky enough to see a short scene from a new take on Oklahoma. It was honestly astonishing, breathtaking and, somehow, courageous." Parents of LIPA students were also in Papillon when James visited. Leigh added: "We had two customers whose daughters had just graduated from LIPA. He had spoken to them before and encouraged her to keep going. When he came in, he spoke to them again. He just seemed really nice." Papillon has been a popular fixture on one of Liverpool's most iconic streets for several years but Leigh says it's received even more attention in recent months. This is because several scenes of hit BBC crime drama This City Is Ours, featuring James Nelson-Joyce as Michael Kavanagh and Hannah Onslow and Diana Williams, were filmed in the restaurant. Leigh said: "It's brilliant. Since This City Is Ours was shown, loads have come in asking to sit where Michael and Diana sat. It's on their doorstep but they're coming here for the first time. "We have had a lot of publicity. Pepsi came and did a collaboration with an influencer recently. We've had a lot more orders for burgers because they had one while they were here." Others being honoured by Sir Paul on Tuesday were director Gay Linvill, who has directed episodes of The Big Bang Theory, and Go Live Theatre chief executive and arts accessibility campaigner Sita McIntosh. LIPA was founded by Sir Paul and Mark Featherstone-Witty in 1996, on the site of the old Liverpool Institute – the former school of both Sir Paul and Beatles bandmate George Harrison, and the adjacent Liverpool Art College, once attended by John Lennon. This year's graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of around 420 graduating students from more than 30 countries, including Colombia, Hong Kong and India. Get all the big crime and court stories direct to your phone on our new WhatsApp service. Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Daily Mirror
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Cold Feet star James Nesbitt left 'gobsmacked' by bill in Liverpool restaurant
The Cold Feet actor and his pals enjoyed a slap-up lunch at Papillon in Hope Street as he spent time in Liverpool to receive an honour at the LIPA graduation ceremony A beloved telly star left diners and workers gobsmacked after making an unexpected appearance at a Liverpool eatery yesterday. Staff at Papillon on Hope Street couldn't believe their eyes when James Nesbitt strolled through the doors. The Irish actor has starred in numerous popular programmes throughout his illustrious career including Cold Feet, Bloodlands and The Missing. He had travelled to Merseyside this week to collect a fellowship from Sir Paul McCartney at a Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) graduation ceremony on Tuesday (July 29) but managed to squeeze in a visit to the restaurant for his lunch the following day. READ MORE: Netflix to remove 'gripping' drama from streaming and Death in Paradise fans will be gutted James happily snapped photos with employees and fellow diners, reports the Liverpool Echo. He and two companions enjoyed a gambas pil pil, buttermilk barbecue chicken tenders and a pepperoni pizza, accompanied by two bottles of Viognier and a bottle of premium Ripasso. The total bill reached approximately £140. Discussing what James was like during his visit, Leigh Elliott, a 33 year old from West Derby who serves as Papillon's social media manager, told the ECHO: "It was fabulous meeting him. He was lovely and super sociable with all the guests. "He kept taking time out of his visit to speak to people who recognised him. He really loved the restaurant and said the food and wine were great. He enjoyed the vibe and commented on how affordable the prices were, even though he was buying premium wine. "He was gobsmacked by the price of the bill in a good way. One of the chefs said he's been here before, so this might have been his second visit. We were definitely surprised to see him as he just came along as a walk-in. This wasn't a pre-booked visit." James lauded the efforts of LIPA students on Tuesday as he received recognition alongside James Bond filmmaker Sir Sam Mendes, performer Adrian Lester and indie group The Wombats, who originated at LIPA. During the event, held at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, James declared: "I'm so honoured to accept this award from LIPA. When I visited a few months ago to speak to a group of students I was immediately struck by just what an extraordinary seat of learning this is, home to inspirational teachers and magnificent facilities out of which clearly pours creativity, innovation, passion, authenticity, collaboration and joy. "After my talk I was lucky enough to see a short scene from a new take on Oklahoma. It was honestly astonishing, breathtaking and, somehow, courageous." Parents of LIPA pupils were also dining at Papillon during James's visit. Leigh continued: "We had two customers whose daughters had just graduated from LIPA. He had spoken to them before and encouraged her to keep going. When he came in, he spoke to them again. He just seemed really nice." Papillon, a well-known establishment on one of Liverpool's most iconic streets, has seen an increase in attention over the past few months. This surge in popularity is due to the restaurant being featured in several scenes of the hit BBC crime drama This City Is Ours, starring James Nelson-Joyce as Michael Kavanagh and Hannah Onslow and Diana Williams. Leigh, the owner of Papillon, expressed his delight: "It's brilliant. Since This City Is Ours was shown, loads have come in asking to sit where Michael and Diana sat. It's on their doorstep but they're coming here for the first time. "We have had a lot of publicity. Pepsi came and did a collaboration with an influencer recently. We've had a lot more orders for burgers because they had one while they were here." Among those honoured by Sir Paul on Tuesday were director Gay Linvill, known for directing episodes of The Big Bang Theory, and Go Live Theatre chief executive and arts accessibility campaigner Sita McIntosh. LIPA, founded by Sir Paul and Mark Featherstone-Witty in 1996, is located on the site of the old Liverpool Institute – the former school of both Sir Paul and Beatles bandmate George Harrison, and the adjacent Liverpool Art College, once attended by John Lennon. This year's graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of around 420 graduating students from more than 30 countries, including Colombia, Hong Kong and India.
Daily Mirror
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Young actress, 19, killed in horror crash on way to perform for kids at library
Rosa Taylor was on her way to a show at a library in Corsham, Wiltshire, last Thursday when the car she was in collided with a lorry on the A4, killing her instantly A young actress died after the car she was travelling in collided with a lorry as she was on the way to perform for some excited children. Rosa Taylor, 19, was on her way to a theatre show in Corsham, Wiltshire, last Thursday when she was involved in the horror crash. Emergency services were called but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene. The fatal crash involved a Hyundai i10 and a Scania Tipper HGV and happened at around 1.30pm on the A4, near Wiltshire's border with Somerset. Her devastated family have today issued a moving tribute to her. Rosa's father Gareth Taylor said his daughter was a loving and talented young person with a fantastic life ahead of her. He said: "Anyone who knew Rosa would agree that she was the most beautiful person inside and out. "She was the very definition of a spirit that shines brightly and dies young, loved by anyone who met her. She was at once the most talented, most beautiful, and most loving soul I've ever known." Rosa loved performing, playing lead roles at the Artz Centre in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, before heading to the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) Sixth Form College to study musical theatre. She had recently been accepted to study at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, in London, where she was due to start in September, SomersetLive report. The teen, who was from from Upholland, Lancashire, also performed with Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre in productions such as Legally Blonde: The Musical, and in Wow Liverpool's WOW That's What I Call Musicals at the Liverpool Playhouse. This month, was touring as the lead in the Beggars Belief Collective production of SCRUMPTIOUS! She was on her way to the next performance at Corsham Library on the day of the crash. Rosa also worked as an entertainer at children's birthday parties, performing as beloved characters and celebrities such as Ariana Grande, Aladdin's Jasmine, and Beauty and The Beast's Belle to put a smile on young kids' faces. She also worked at Briar's Hall Hotel in Ormskirk. Her loved ones remember her as 'a shining star,' 'the greatest friend anyone could have asked for,' and the 'most naturally gifted performer you had ever seen.' After the crash, a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: "Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time. Any witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01225 694597 quoting log 54250100571. Alternatively you can contact the team directly by emailing SCIT@
The Irish Sun
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Family pay touching tribute to ‘shining star' daughter, 19, who died in crash with lorry on way to theatre performance
A HEARTBROKEN family have paid a moving tribute to their 19-year-daughter after she died in a horror crash. Aspiring actress Rosa Taylor was on her way to a theatre show in Corsham , Wiltshire, when the car she was in collided with a lorry. The fatal smash involved a Hyundai i10 and a Scania Tipper HGV and happened at around 1.30pm on July 24 on the A4 Bath Road near Wiltshire's border with Somerset. Rosa was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Rosa's father Gareth Taylor paid tribute to his daughter today, saying: "Anyone who knew Rosa would agree that she was the most beautiful person inside and out. "She was the very definition of a spirit that shines brightly and dies young, loved by anyone who met her. Read More in UK News "She was at once the most talented, most beautiful, and most loving soul I've ever known." Rosa was also remembered by those close to her as 'a shining star,' 'the greatest friend anyone could have asked for,' and the 'most naturally gifted performer you had ever seen.' A theatre kid from birth, Rosa lived and breathed performing arts. She played lead roles at the Artz Centre in Skelmersdale before heading to the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) Sixth Form College to study Musical Theatre. Most read in The Sun Before her passing, she had just secured her place at Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London and was due to start in September. A natural born performer who lived for the stage, Rosa performed with Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre in productions such as Legally Blonde: The Musical. Just recently she performed in Wow Liverpool's WOW That's What I Call Musicals at the Liverpool Playhouse. In July 2025, she hit the road as the lead in the Beggars Belief Collective production of SCRUMPTIOUS!. 1 Rosa Taylor, 19, died while on her way to perform in Corsham in Wiltshire Credit: Wiltshire Police
