Two sisters from Little Neston are to star in a hit musical.

Her Benny, which has been seen by over 800,000 people on tour, is playing at the Floral Pavilion Theatre in New Brighton from September 21-24.

Fourteen-year-old Lauren Wood attends Wirral Grammar and is also a student at Wirral Theatre School.

Lauren is said to be ‘very excited’ to be performing the role of Sniffer in the professional show.

She will be joined on stage by her younger sister Lottie who will play the role of Nell.

Sisters Lauren Wood and Lottie Wood from Little Neston are to star in the musical Her Benny at The Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton

“The parts are challenging,” says writer and director, Anne Dalton.

“They are bigger than most juvenile lead roles in musicals and I am delighted to have found youngsters who are just perfect for the roles.”

Due to their ages and the licencing laws they will share the performances required for the role with other performers.

Along with Lauren and Lottie, the adult touring cast will be supported by other local performers aged between eight and 18 who beat fierce competition to win places in the production.

They are all currently learning full company numbers and choreography in intensive rehearsals that are presently underway.

The musical won The International Quest for New Musicals.

It is based on the original book Her Benny which was the first ever book to sell a million copies in its author’s lifetime.

The story tells of a young orphan boy’s struggle to survive the intense poverty experienced by many city dwellers in the Victorian era.

A feel good, classic rags to riches tale it captivates the audience with the life story of Benny Bates as he claws his way up from humble street urchin to eventual gentleman.

Sisters Lauren Wood and Lottie Wood from Little Neston are to star in the musical Her Benny at The Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton

Promoters say whether you’re six or 106 it’s guaranteed to make you both laugh and cry.

The show, which has sold out the 2,400 seater Liverpool Empire several times, is described as having taken to touring like a duck to water.

“Any worries about staging the show outside its original setting of Liverpool have long since vanished,” says Anne.

“Over 800,000 who have seen it staged in places as far apart as Derbyshire and Teeside stand as testimony to the magical appeal and quality of the production.

“I am so delighted with the Floral Pavilion Theatre in New Brighton and the quality of the youngsters involved that I can’t wait for opening night.”

The show run includes matinees and evenings. For tickets contact the box office on 0151 666 0000 or online www.floralpavilion.com .