Fellow Britain's Got Talent Finalist Kev Orkian Joins Ashley Banjo and Diversity in this year's Panto!

March 18, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

Cliffs Pavilion are delighted to announce that the internationally acclaimed, award-winning comedian Kev Orkian will be joining his fellow BGT finalists Ashley Banjo and Diversity in Robin Hood and the  Merry Men as they swoop into Southend this festive season. 

A renowned musician, actor and comedian, Kev has been a regular in the world of television, theatre, cabaret and pantomime for a number of years, beginning his career as a classical concert pianist, before making the transition into the world of comedy, solidifying his reputation as one of the art form’s biggest names. 

His vast repertoire has seen him appear regularly alongside entertainers such as Lionel Richie, Dame Edna Everage, Matt Lucas and Katherine Jenkins and supporting some of the biggest names in UK comedy, appearing on stage across the world, including the Sydney Opera House, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and Windsor Castle, by Royal Appointment. 

He also starred in the West End in Fame at the Victoria Palace Theatre, and subsequent roles in Me and My Girl, Grease, Buddy and Boogie Nights. Taking the leap from musical theatre to comedy, Kev has been a regular on the touring circuit ever since and often appears at London’s most prestigious comedy venues. In 2010 he became a finalist of ITV’s hit show Britain’s Got Talent, a year after his pantomime co-stars Ashley Banjo and Diversity won. 

Since then Kev has gone on to tour the world with his shows, including his Illegal Tour, The Guilty Pianist and headlined for 14 sell-out shows in Las Vegas and received private invitations to perform in front of HRH Prince Philip, HRH Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and members of Royal Families across the globe. 

A regular in pantomime, Kev has appeared the length and breadth of the country in various comedy roles, starring alongside Wendi Peters, Samantha Womack, Paul Nicholas, Warwick Davis and Priscilla Presley. In 2005 he starred as Muddles in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Cliffs Pavilion and Robin Hood and the Merry Men will see his welcome return some fourteen years later. 

Kev will join Ashley Banjo and Diversity (as previously announced) in a brand-new pantomime title for Cliffs Pavilion which will see the stage transformed into rural Nottingham and see our dashing hero and his Merry Men rob from the rich, give to the poor, win the hand of the fair Maid Marion and provide plenty of fancy footwork, hilarious comedy, plenty of audience participation and jaw-dropping special effects for audiences of all ages to enjoy.

Commenting on this addition to the cast, Cliffs Pavilion Theatre Director Ellen McPhillips said: “With the addition of this hilariously funny and imaginative comedian to the cast of this year’s pantomime, the Cliffs Pavilion truly has a massively strong line-up to suit all tastes. With Ashley Banjo and Diversity headlining the show is guaranteed to contain lots of spectacular dance routines and with Kev Orkian now confirmed as the comic element we are also guaranteed the side-splitting humour that so often characterises our pantomimes. If anyone is in anyway uncertain of this I would strongly recommend that they view the YouTube clips of his appearances on Britain’s Got Talent!”

Tickets for Robin Hood and the Merry Men are on sale now available at www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01702 351135 or visiting in person.