7:10pm Monday 30th March 2009
By Bernie Friend
FUNNYMAN Brian Conley will star in this year’s Christmas pantomime at the Cliffs Pavilion.
The comedian, singer and actor plays Buttons in Cinderella at the Westcliff venue, which starts a month-long festive run on Saturday, December 12.
Theatre director Ellen McPhillips said: “When it comes to panto, it doesn’t get much bigger than Cinderella, starring Brian Conley.
“It really is the Christmas dream ticket.
“He is well-known on the festive circuit for playing this role and I’m sure he will have people flooding through the Cliffs Pavilion doors. It was only a couple of years ago that Cinderella smashed our box office record, taking £1million, with fellow comedian Joe Pasquale playing the role of Buttons.
“We would hope Brian Conley can equal that number, if not beat it.”
Conley, 47, is no stranger to treading the boards and has starred in West End production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the award-winning musical Jolson.
He is also a big TV personality, hosting shows such as Let Me Entertain You and guest hosting the Paul O’Grady Show. He is also renowned for playing Doug “Dynamo” Digby in the cult school-based sitcom, the Grimleys.
Cinderella replaces Peter Pan, which had previously been announced as the Cliffs Pavilion pantomime this year.
Tickets purchased for this show are still valid. Seat prices are on sale now and begin at £10. For more information, call 01702 351135.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/trade_directory/