Globe columnist Peter Grant meets X Factor winner Matt Terry who is heading to the Floral Pavilion in the smash hit musical Madagascar.

IT's great to be king ...

Just ask multi-talented X-Factor winner Matt Terry, who is roaring across the UK on a huge tour of the musical Madagascar which is Wirral-bound.

The Kent-born singer, who is 26 on May 20, is currently getting great reviews playing a

Alex, a showbizzy lion - the coolest king of the jungle - in the hit stage version of the DreamWorks film.

Ben Stiller plays Alex in the movie franchise, so Matt is following in mega paw steps.

Since he won the 13th series of X-Factor, Matt's life has taken off in so many ways as you would expect from Simon Cowell's star-breaking series.

His success has seen him work in Miami, LA and Scandinavia.

Matt has also enjoyed a top three hit with the Ed Sheeran composition When Christmas Comes Around.

In November 2017, he released his debut album Trouble leading to his single Sucker For You reaching 60 million streams on Spotify.

After that achievement, Matt went back to his Spanish childhood roots on Enrique Iglesias' Subeme La Radio.

His strong distinctive voice is now well-suited to the array of rich songs in the fun-filled 100 minute spectacle that is the touring Madagascar.

Here actors - in superb, colourful splashed animal costumes - play the colourful residents of New York Central Park Zoo.

Alex is the leader who takes charge when Marty goes AWOL reluctantly followed by his chums.

This leads to all manner of adventures eventually via a shipwreck in King Julien's very mad Madagascar.

But the grass isn't always greener.

Alex and his best pals Marty The zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo have spent their lives in blissful captivity before an adoring public. Some very wacky penguins add to the full-on fantasy journey.

The show has already wowed audiences of all ages at the Liverpool Empire.

Now Matt and the gang are looking forward to playing the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton in a week-long run from March 19.

Globe-trotting Matt says it is another debut venue for him in his sparkling career.

He told the Globe: "We are all having such an amazing time - on and off stage.

"While we were at the a Empire we took time off to see the Albert Dock and other places.

"So we will hopefully put aside some time to sight see on the other side of the Mersey.

"I am also a huge Beatles fan."

Matt was in York when I spoke to him and revealed it takes 30 minutes to get into his state-of-the-art cat suit.

He said going on a UK tour is extra special, seeing so many different towns and cities and in such fine company.

I recommend to him some places on the peninsular for him to visit and he roars his approval.

"I hope we can find the time to see them."

The tour takes him out on the road up until July and then he hopes there might be international dates.

"I think the show works on two levels

"It brings together everything you will know and love from the DreamWorks film with what I can honestly say is an immense score, amazing costumes (I know because I am wearing one).

"And you have to see the puppetry - it's so cool."

After the tour he can't wait to get back in the studio and has projects in Spain.

He is clearly an ambitious singer-singwriter

For now, as street-wise lion Alex he is enjoying a lion's share of fame.

He wants fans old and new to come along to the Floral for some magical escapism.

"It's an awesome night out for the whole family and for any one in Wirral who loves a cool night out."

Madagascar - the Musical is at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton from March 19-23.

Tickets from the box office on 0151 666 0000