LOCAL legends Billy Butler and Dean Sullivan will head the cast of the biggest performance yet of Bullets and Daffodils at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion this August.

The Radio Merseyside veteran will narrate the show along with the former Brookside star, who will also direct the musical that follows the life of war poet Wilfred Owen from his school days in Birkenhead to his tragic death in the trenches.

The WW1 centenary performance will take place 100 years to the month that Britain entered the war and the cast will be joined by a 100-strong community choir with each voice commentating each year since 1914.

“The Floral Pavilion show will also be poignant in another way,” explained writer Dean Johnson.

“New Brighton was a favourite haunt of Wilfred and his family. He learnt to swim and horse ride there, so performing so close to where he actually played will be very moving.”

Bullets and Daffodils was premiered four years ago at Birkenhead Central Library, and has gone on to enjoy runs in London's West End, and has also been the subject of a BBC film. 

Referring to the very special Floral Pavilion performance, Dean added, “I am very proud to be able to work with Billy Butler, he is a true legend and the 'voice' of Merseyside.

“Dean Sullivan directed our first shows and it’s wonderful that he is back on board for this massive performance. Taking the show around the UK has been amazing, but we always set our hearts on a big Wirral venue, and it’s an honour to be appearing at the Floral Pavilion in this WW1 Centenary year.”