Carol cast completes golden roll of honour

The cast of this year’s festive extravaganza A Christmas Carol, led by Paul Nicholas, has been installed on the board filling the final slot.

The hall of fame in the entrance to the Floral Hall lists a star or show hosted by the Winter Gardens’ theatre in each year dating back to 1889, including the likes of Charlie Chaplin, the Royal Variety Performance and Vera Lynn.

Winter Gardens managing director Michael Williams said the board marked an important part of the venue’s history.

He said: “We are delighted to have added A Christmas Carol to our Roll Of Honour as it is a tradition to enter the names of the most popular people or shows to appear at the Winter Gardens each year.

“We have had some amazing shows throughout 2015 and we have been waiting to see just who or what would be added and that can now be revealed as being A Christmas Carol.

“Overall 2015 has been a tremendous year but we are particularly thrilled that it is our Christmas production that has made the Roll of Honour.

“It is a number of years since the Opera House has welcomed a Christmas production of this size and it would appear that audiences absolutely love it and we look forward to similar successes next year.”

The board was put up in 1989 by Lord Bernard Delfont to mark the centenary of the Opera House, listing the acts dating back to the year the theatre opened, in gold leaf.

The first name to be honoured was English actor and playwright Wilson Barrett and last year’s summer smash hit musical Mamma Mia! was added.

Mr Williams added: “The Roll of Honour is also a vital piece of the Winter Gardens history that visitors love to read.

“It gives a real snapshot of the varied entertainment that has taken place in this venue over the last 135 years and that should be celebrated.”

The magical festive musical starring Paul Nicholas is proving a hit for audiences in Blackpool, with more than 1,500 attending the daily shows, which run until January 3.

And producer Peter Frosdick said he was delighted the show has been honoured in this way.

Peter said: “We are absolutely thrilled to see A Christmas Carol on the Roll Of Honour as it is a real nod of approval for all the cast and crew involved in this fantastic production.

“The reaction to the show has been wonderful and we look forward to welcoming many more people over the course of the run.”