A HOST of Wirral stars offer help and advice in a new 'working' guide on how to get into the arts and entertainment industries.

Prompt was compiled by Wirral Globe columnist Peter Grant and launched at the Liverpool Empire on Thursday.

Produced by the Liverpool Empire Theatre Trust (Merseyside) Ltd, it offers guidance on organisations that are willing to offer funds for arts-related projects, as well as advice on casting, production, promotion, sponsorship, facilities and job opportunities.

It was launched by Hoylake-based Terry Smith, chairman of Liverpool Empire Theatre Trust, on Thursday.

It features contributions from, among many others, Birkenhead-born actress and comedienne Pauline Daniels, New Brighton-based Radio Merseyside presenter Billy Butler, Heswall-based photographer Mike McCartney and Radio City presenter Pete Price.

Also sharing their experiences are Liverpool comic legend Ken Dodd, whose advice is simple: "Learn from your mistakes. If you don't make mistakes you never do anything.

"I wanted to be in showbusiness - to be an entertainer, a performer, a comedian. 'I want' that is a key phrase.

"Everyone should have a dream. Cling onto your dreams. Hold onto the daydreams and your wishes. Dreams will happen if you really want them to come true.

"Making people laugh for a living is a great way of life. My dream job, By Jove." 

Pauline Daniels said: "As a child all I ever wanted to do was be an actor. My parents couldn't afford to send me to stage school and I never dreamt that I'd one day be singing and doing stand up.

"Then came the day when I stood in the wings of Liverpool Playhouse, waiting to go on as Mama Morton in Chicago.

"My family were on holiday and weren't there for my opening night. I came off stage, looked into the dressing room mirror and said "I did it mum, I did it dad. I've just lived my dream...

"If you want to get into showbusiness, don't ever give up. If you want the best and work hard, nobody can ignore you.

"Watch the masters. Never close your mind to anything. 

"If there's a door ajar, kick it open and march right in. 

"Listen and learn. I learn every day. 

"I still have dreams and I chase them."

Billy Butler said: "My advice to anyone going into showbusiness in any of the different sections is always present yourself well.

"I encourage new talent because that is what we on the radio are there for. But good presentation and self-belief is a major factor in getting noticed.

"Never give up if you have a talent, and we all know about talent on Merseyside."

For your copy of Prompt, email liverpoolempiretheatretrust@gmail.com