2019 LIPA graduation ceremony

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I meet LIPA graduates all over the world when I’m on tour. I also have two in my band. I tried once to keep hold of a sound guy, but couldn’t. I wasn’t fast enough; he went out with Coldplay.

Paul McCartney

From LIPA website:

Rowan Atkinson and Stephen Fry were made Companions of The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) on Friday, 26 July 2019. The pair, who are among Britain’s most popular and influential comedy writers and performers, were among nine luminaries of the arts and entertainment world to receive the accolade from LIPA’s co-founder Sir Paul McCartney at the Institute’s annual graduation ceremony at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Rowan co-created and starred in Blackadder and Mr Bean and has a successful film career, which includes three Johnny English movies. Stephen, who also appeared in Blackadder, is a former presenter of comedy quiz QI. His film credits include Wilde and two of the Hobbit films, The Desolation of Smaug and The Battle of the Five Armies.

Rowan Atkinson and Stephen Fry were joined by composer, producer and arranger Mike Batt; award-winning lighting designer Lucy Carter; Sue Gill – who has over 40 years of experience working in celebratory theatre; former head of Virgin Music (Publishers), Steve Lewis; Broadway, West End and TV and film set and costume designer Tom Pye; dancer and choreographer Kenrick Sandy, who collaborated with Danny Boyle on the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony and GRAMMY Award-winning producer, sound engineer and mixer Andrew Scheps.

LIPA awards Companionships for two reasons: outstanding achievement and practical contribution to our Institutes’ learning.

Cliff Cooper, CEO and founder of Orange Music Electronic Co. Ltd, was made an Honoured Friend of LIPA.

Around 260 students from 25 different countries (including a wide range of European countries plus Canada, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Norway and the United States) graduated at the ceremony having completed either degree or foundation certificate programmes.

Paul McCartney said: “I meet LIPA graduates all over the world when I’m on tour. I also have two in my band. I tried once to keep hold of a sound guy, but couldn’t. I wasn’t fast enough; he went out with Coldplay.”

Last updated on November 8, 2023