COMPETITION: Win a family ticket to see the Chrysanths Pantomime Society’s January production of Dick Whittington

Dec 21 2011 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

PANTO season over after December? Oh no it isn’t!

The Chrysanths Pantomime Society is continuing a 93-year-old tradition next month with its latest production, Dick Whittington.

The family show will be performed at the Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton from Thursday, January 5 to Sunday, January 8.

The Chrysanths are named after the flowers used as a backdrop for their early performances at a house in Vaughan Road, New Brighton.

And the Chrysanths’ Julie Bennet says they’re determined to keep the tradition going.

She said: “We are really committed to panto, the humour and the happiness side of it.

“We have some very talented actors and as a group, our strengths lie in panto.

“Everyone is hugely proud of what we do.”

After many years of performing before Christmas, the society switched to a January slot when the new Floral Pavilion Theatre opened.

Julie said: “We were worried initially because a lot of people liked to come before Christmas but last year we were almost sold out.

“When the new theatre opened it became more expensive to stage but we wanted to keep our prices affordable.

“We don’t do it for profit – any money goes to charity or back into making the next panto.”

This year’s cast includes more than 30 local youngsters. Charlie Delaney is playing the lead role of Dick Whittington, who heads to London to seek his fortune.

Tickets for the show are £9 for adults/£7 concessions, from 666 0000 or www.floralpavilion.com

Day and Night has a family ticket for four for the opening show on Thursday, January 5 to give away.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question:

In what year were the Chrysanths established? a) 2009, b) 1918 or c) 1975?

Send your answer with your name and a contact number to Chrysanths Competition, Wirral News, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB.

The closing date is Friday, December 30.