Elizabeth Rodda

At an early age it was clear that this “Yorkshire lass” was destined to be on the stage. Her performance journey started at the tender age of 5 training at her local dance school in Scarborough, Terry France School of Dance in Latin American, Ballroom, Disco, Rock & Roll & Modern Dance.

After competing at venues such as the prestigious Blackpool Tower and gaining the highest qualifications possible, this young dancer was ignited with passion & talent.

Liz joined a local amateur theatre school in 1983 where she had many wonderful opportunities to take on lead roles in various Musicals & Pantomimes, it was here her love for Theatre & Performing began.

During her schooling Liz was to become a Concert Pianist attaining Grade 8 in Piano Practical & Music Theory. After leaving school she decided to take her studies further north to Newcastle University to study Music.

Throughout her “Uni” experience performing was always in the background, Liz had the perfect “Holiday” job as a Redcoat at the Grand Hotel Scarborough. It was here she had the privilege of being the warm-up act for several celebrities such as Bob Monkhouse, Drifters & Brian Conley to name but a few.

This was the perfect platform to enter the “Industry” which was just about to happen…….

In 1994 a very nervous young lady entered the daunting stage at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London at the Open Auditions for the new cast of Andrew Lloyd Webbers Phantom of The Opera, 5 recalls later and numerous hours spent on a motorway back and forth from home Liz got the job.

This show would consume the next 2 years of her life and how fantastic it was. Life was about to take a turn and Liz was bitten by the travel bug.

After being shore based for the past few years it was time to spread her wings, leading to the next chapter, working on major cruise liners such as P&O, Royal Caribbean, Holland America and touring the world with International vocal harmony group Stutz Bear Cats. Visiting places such as the Caribbean, Asia, Australia & New Zealand.

After travelling the world it was time to come home……..

Strictly Stage was formed in 2002 at Ad Astra Infant School with 17 students.

Liz is overwhelmed and extremely proud to say that we currently have over 300 current students, 5 home-grown full-time teachers, fabulous annual show opportunities at the Lighthouse Theatre Poole.

I truly believe that this school has been built on Experience, Professionalism and pure enthusiasm & love for the Performing Arts Industry.