New Floral celebrates first birthday!

New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion re-opened to the public a year ago this month following major refurbishment and to celebrate the landmark occasion the theatre is holding a free family fun day.
On 13 December last year the Wirral venue re-opened to the public following its rebuilding project as part of Neptune Development’s £60m regeneration.

Music and laughter for all ages will be running at the theatre this Sunday (13 December) including entertainment from a traditional Victorian Punch and Judy Show, bringing back memories of days gone by at the seaside, as well as Christmas music provided by St Mary’s College and the Floral’s Bosendorpher piano.

As from Saturday 19 December, the coastal based theatre will be running this year’s pantomime and, as well as chances to meet Father Christmas on Sunday, children will be also be able to meet the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Joining Kate Mellors in the panto, who plays Snow White, will be local radio personality Pete Price as Muddles the Court Jester, acclaimed actress Pauline Daniels will be the evil Wicked Queen and Roy Brandon will take on the part of the dame as Nurse Glucose.

Legendary comedian Ken Dodd, as the recorded image and voice of the Magic Mirror, will feature and Russ Spencer and Caroline Barnes of Eurovision act Scooch as Prince Rupert and the Fairy Snowflake respectively. Audiences ought to be aware there will also be a guest appearance from the Honey Monster, the official mascot of cereal brand Sugar Puffs, as Lord Chamberlain. Adam Curtis, from Birkenhead, plays the part of the Royal Tax Collector.

In the meantime, the free family fun day on Sunday will include:

1pm–1.30pm St Mary’s Catholic College Brass Band Christmas Welcome

1.30pm–2pm Punch and Judy (a traditional trip down memory lane)

2pm–2.30pm St Mary’s Catholic College Senior Singers Christmas Carolling/Guest appearance from Father Christmas

2.30pm–3pm Punch and Judy (another chance to see the show)

3pm–3.15pm Meet the panto cast (Snow White and the rest of the cast come to say hello)

3.15pm–3.30pm The architect of the Floral Pavilion (Ken Martin) cuts the birthday cake

3.30pm–4pm Punch and Judy (another chance to see the show)

Throughout the day there will be the chance to purchase refreshments and ice creams from the Floral Cafe. A large craft art and food fair will also be taking place in the Floral Conference Centre (£2 admission charge).

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs opens at the Floral Pavilion on Saturday 19 December and runs until Sunday 10 January 2010. Tickets cost £13-£15, call the theatre box office on 0151 666 0000.

*Photograph taken by Dave Evans