THE Chrysanthemums Pantomime Society celebrates its centenary with their production of Aladdin at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton this week.

Their first production was Aladdin in 1918, when a local drama group thought they would produce a summer pantomime to cheer people up after the great war.

The panto was staged against a display of Chrysanthemums and was such a success that they decided to form a society with that name.

Their new production of the show will be staged at the Floral from this Thursday to Sunday, January 11 to 14.

Performances start at 7.15pm, with 2pm matinees Saturday and Sunday.

A spokesman for the groip said: "After 100 years the group have become almost an institution in Wirral and generations of families have supported the group taking their children, each year, to a show where every performance is that of a family party.

"It is fitting that Aladdin should be performed this year being the first Pantomime the society produced all those years ago.

"The Chrysanths are a showcase for local talent and the cast is always made up of a careful balance of both experienced and novice performers.

"But you can always rely on the shows being packed with great comedy, lively music and an enthusiastic cast.

"Being an important anniversary the Chrysanths promise this years show to be extra special with many surprises and tickets are selling fast." 

Tickets are from the Floral Pavilion Theatre box office or www.floralpavilion.com