New season opens at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion

May 18 2011 by Matt Hurst, Heswall News

THE new season at the Floral Pavilion goes on sale this week, with comedy, drama and a huge variety of music on show.

Running from May to December, the programme welcomes Bill Kenwright’s world renowned production of Blood Brothers, crossing the Mersey for the first time in October.

Other large scale productions include Agatha Christie’s Verdict with a star studded cast, the musical Her Benny and the return of the popular children’s show Horrible Histories.

The venue isn’t short on comedy events either and this year will see the likes of Ricky Tomlinson, Justin Moorhouse and Freddie Starr treading the boards.

And the new monthly, adults only, F:Rated Comedy Club will bring comedians from the Edinburgh Fringe circuit and beyond.

Alongside Horrible Histories, the Floral will continue to cater for a family audience with visits from Bob the Builder, the Mr Men, and Peppa Pig, as well as the Koala That Learnt to Hug.

The Floral is also offering a huge range of music and dance.

World famous artists such as Bill Wyman, Aled Jones and Wayne Sleep will be taking to the stage and there will be a chance to experience opera, with performances of Madam Butterfly, and ballet with a production of The Snow Queen.

The spectacular Nutcracker will extend the ballet theme.

And, it may seem a long way off yet, but the Strauss Christmas Gala will precede the welcome return of the Floral pantomime which this year will be an all star cast in Aladdin.

The central role will be played by Kelsey-Beth Crossley, best known as Scarlett Nicholls in ITV’s Emmerdale.

Andrew Agnew, who is probably best known by the younger audience as the crime busting, nature loving PC Plum in Balamory will be playing the hilarious Wishee Washee.

The evil Abanazar role is taken on by Dean Sullivan, best known for playing loveable rogue Jimmy Corkhill for 18 years in Brookside.

A new stylish brochure detailing all the acts making their way to New Brighton in 2011 is now available.

For more information, or to book tickets, call the box office on 0151 666 0000 or visit www.floralpavilion.com