Monumental display from Culture performer who hit the heights

Jan 18 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

HE WAS the man with the job of making sure the people’s launch of the Capital of Culture year ran smoothly – and all from the top of the Wellington monument.

But, last Friday night, the question on the crowd’s lips was: Just who is the man in the tuxedo and the hard hat?

Step forward Everton-born actor Brian Dodd, who was faced with the daunting task of getting proceedings under way from 130ft above ground.

Widnes-based Mr Dodd, 36, who studied drama at John Moores University, was picked from a handful of applicants invited to audition for the role of master of ceremonies.

He won the job because of a previous role where Brian had to stand in water for a long period of time – organisers thought it would stand him in good stead for braving the elements.

He said: “They had actually told us that they wanted us up the tower on the audition day, but most people thought ‘that’s not going to happen’. But I was well up for it – the more dangerous the better.

“With the wind and the rain in the week leading up to it, we couldn’t rehearse everything together. So a couple of times I was up the column at 11.30 at night with no lights.

“But it was just wonderful to be a part of such a great event. It was a one-off experience and it was great fun for me.

“The only thing that worried me was when I first went up the column. You’ve got 180 steps and by the time you get to around 120 your legs just go – I had to crawl up the last few because of the height.

“There was only me and a rigger up there and I didn’t really get a look at the crowd until literally two minutes before it started. When I looked out, I just thought ‘Cor blimey’.

“It was quite amazing, just crowds of people everywhere I looked – and I was about to address them.”