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blackpoolgrand.co.uk
The 1894 Club. THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THEATRE LOVERS.
DIRTY DANCING
ISSUE SIX
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR ALL THEATRE LOVERS... The 1894 Club - Access exclusive offers and savings, special invites, priority booking, enjoy our new 1894 Club Box, and receive exciting news before anyone else*. Blackpool Grand Theatre’s brand new ‘1894 Club’ is launched for 2020. A great value Club with three levels, ideal for the Theatre regular! Join for as little as £29 per year. Never miss out on tickets again! We'll let you know about new shows going on sale, offer you exclusive priority booking periods for most shows - book your favourite seats before anyone else. Add on to that free postage, free parking, and access to the 1894 Club box on higher packages.
Enjoy exclusive experiences and events, priority seats, competitions, discounts at the theatre bar, and at major Blackpool attractions, restaurants and much more. Unlock the incredible benefits of the 1894 Club all year round.
To join call 01253 290 190 or visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk/1894club
* Joining the 1894 Club is a per year cost, benefits are dependent on membership level. Blackpool’s Grand Theatre reserves the right to change membership benefits at any time and substitute. Some benefits may only be available at selected times of the year. Membership may allow access to additional benefits however ‘in-member’ fees/charges may apply. Tickets discounts apply to a maximum of two tickets per membership. Refunds on part membership not available. VIP Seating numbers limited, subject to availability.
ON THE COVER Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on stage comes to Blackpool, exploding with heart pounding music, breath-taking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing.
OPERA Ellen Kent Productions return to Blackpool’s Grand theatre this coming season with two spectacular operas. Both Sung in Italian with English subtitles *Cast subject to change
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La Boheme Starring Elena Dee* the Korean soprano in her iconic role as Mimi and the celebrated international soprano Alyona Kistenyova. Directed by Ellen Kent, this brand-new production is traditionally staged and features beautiful sets and costumes. La Bohème tells the tragic tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer. This classic tale of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including Your Tiny Hand is Frozen, They Call Me Mimi and Muzetta’s Waltz. Thu 16 Apr
HIGHLIGHT
BRING IT ON THE MUSICAL.. Vanessa Fisher will be playing the role of Danielle, joining the previously announced Amber Davies as Campell and Louis Smith as Cameron. The cast is completed by Alicia Belgarde as Eva, Georgia Bradshaw as Nautica, Ayden Morgan as La Cienega, Samuel Wilson-Freeman as Steven, Chloe Pole as Skylar, Frances Dee as Kylar, Marvyn Charles as Twig, and Roshani Abbey, Jack Dargan, Matthew Dawkins, Jordan Isaac, Katie Lee, Gareth Moran, Biancha Szynal, and Zinzile Tshuma. Inspired by the 2000 film of the same name, Bring It On The Musical features an original score by the multi award winning creator of Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Pulitzer Prize winning Tom Kitt, composer of Next To Normal. The book is written by the Tony Award winning writer of Avenue Q, Jeff Whitty and the lyrics are by both Lin-Manuel Miranda and writer of the stage adaptation of High Fidelity, Amanda Green. Bring It On The Musical is directed by Guy Unsworth and choreographed by Fabian Aloise, with set design by Libby Watson, costume design by Susan Kulkarni, lighting design by Matt Daw, sound design by Ross Portway, music supervision by MarkCrossland and musical direction from Sarah Burrell. They will be joined by Danny MacDonald as acrobatic director and Aundrea Fudge as dialect coach. Bring It On The Musical takes audiences on a high-flying, energy-fuelled journey which tackles friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness – wrapped up in explosive choreography and tricks. Cheer-royalty and newly crowned Squad Captain, Campbell, should be embarking on her most cheertastic senior year at Truman High School. When she’s forced to move to the neighbouring hard-knock Jackson High, Campbell fears her life is over. But an unlikely friendship catapults Campbell back into contention with a powerhouse squad and the fire to achieve the impossible. Tue 6 to Sat 10 Oct
Madama Butterfly Back by overwhelming public demand, this award-winning Opera returns in a new production with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan. One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. Highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet. Fri 17 Apr
Interesting Opera Facts... • Mozart wrote his first opera, Bastien und Bastienne when he was only 12 years old. • The first Baroque opera ever written was performed in 1597 in Florence in Italy. It was called Dafne and the composer was Jacopo Peri. This opera is now lost. • The most performed opera worldwide is La traviata, by Verdi. This masterpiece was performed a whopping 861 times in the 2017/2018 season. • The opera would start with an overture for the orchestra. The overture would usually include tunes that are going to be heard later in the opera.
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HEY THAT’S NEW! We’re always adding great new shows at the Blackpool Grand Theatre and these have all gone on sale since our last brochure! For the most up to date list of shows visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk Absurd Person Singular Three married couples. Three kitchens. Three Christmas parties. Alan Ayckbourn’s comic masterpiece of social climbing in 1970s suburbia fuses a potent mix of farce and black comedy. Tue 30 Jun to Thu 2 Jul
Marty Wilde – Dreamboats and Petticoats 1950s heartthrob Marty Wilde takes to the road again in Dreamboats and Petticoats - Music that Lives Forever! Joining Marty are pals Eden Kane and Mark Wynter with special guest Roxy Wilde and his long serving band, The Wildcats. Sun 18 Oct
Maximum R’n’B with the Manfreds and Georgie Fame Join the legendary Manfreds and Georgie Fame for an evening of Rhythm and Blues nostalgia, and some of the greatest hits ever written. The Manfreds with an all-star line-up of original members will be recreating many of their greatest hits both as part of Manfred Mann and as successful solo artists. Sat 24 Oct
The Rolling Stones Story A high energy concert with all these hits celebrating the World’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band. Let’s Spend The Night Together in the company of Mick and the boys and experience a truly authentic Rolling Stones spectacle. Sat 7 Nov
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HOLES Interview with Matthew Forbes – Puppetry Director. What is your role on the show? So, my role on the show, I look after all of the puppets, so I've designed all the puppets that are in the show and then I've directed all of the actors, all of the performers that have to operate them. What puppets did you make for the show? So we've got some lizards, we've got some snakes, we've got a tarantula and a few other bits and bobs. But I'll keep those as a surprise. But they're all brilliantly made and they're all beautifully brought to life by all the actors, so you kind of forget that they're puppets and suddenly you just see a spider crawling across the stage, it's great. What other puppets have you worked with? I've worked with the big, big horses in Warhorse. I've done all the puppetry for them. And I do all of the puppet direction for that show, and I'm also now currently working on the Lion King, so we're using all of those different puppets in there to create all the different animals in Africa. I really love it because you get to sort of create new stories and tell new things that you can't do with a person because a puppet can fly or it can swim. What do you think the puppets add to the show? It makes it really, really exciting to see 'cause you see all of these different animals that you wouldn't normally see in the theatre. So you see big scary snake, you see tarantulas, you see lizards and it also adds a really, really fun aspect to the show 'cause it means as an
audience you have to really engage your imagination and then suddenly all these different things come to life. It's really, really fun to see all of those things come to life and the actors do such a brilliant job with them but it just helps us tell the story to the best we possibly can. What do you enjoy about your job? Well I think it's probably working with the actors during rehearsals because we get to spend a lot of time playing and working out how to do the scenes and then being able to put the show in front of the audience and seeing the audience's reaction. The audiences absolutely love Holes. They think it's really, really great, and when they see all of the puppets come out from the stage, it's really exciting. Have you been to Blackpool Grand before and what was your experience? I have, I've been, I came a few years ago and I had a really, really good time. It's a beautiful theatre, the auditorium is absolutely stunning. This is all very, sort of very ornate and sort of magical. I had a brilliant time, Blackpool is great isn't it? I can remember I was up there during Christmas and it was really, really magical. I watched the Christmas show there and it was great fun. Tue 5 to Sat 9 May
'Deeply felt drama brings landmark novel to life' The Guardian
NOT TO BE MISSED! From the most famous bagpipe band in the world to a one-woman tour-de-force performance by National Treasure Su Pollard don’t miss out on these incredible shows. Harpy The one woman show starring Su Pollard. Birdie’s a hoarder. The neighbours call her a harridan and a harpy, although most have never even met her. They see her hoard as a hazard for house prices. Years ago, something deeply cherished was stolen from her, and Birdie’s not been able to give up anything since. She’ll do anything to get this priceless thing back. Tue 14 Apr
Red Hot Chilli Pipers The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are the most famous bagpipe band in the world, ever, and they’re coming to Blackpool as part of their 2019 World Tour. Bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent and a show that carries its own health warning. Sun 26 Apr
THE CAT & THE CANARY Bill Kenwright presents The Classic Thriller Theatre company in The Cat and The Canary by John Willard. Directed by Roy Marsden. Twenty years after the death of Mr. West, his descendants gather at a remote mansion to learn who will inherit his vast wealth and the hidden family jewels. When the heir is revealed, the heritage hunters turn into prey and a chain of macabre events is set in motion. Will the heirs dare to face the haunting presence toying with them? When the cat prowls, the flock takes fright… Mon 1 to Sat 6 Jun
Featuring an all star cast... Britt Ekland (The Man with the Golden Gun, The Wicker Man) Mark Jordon (Heartbeat, Emmerdale), Tracy Shaw (Coronation Street) Marti Webb (Evita, Tell Me on a Sunday) Gary Webster (Minder) Ben Nealon (Soldier Soldier) Nikki Patel (Coronation Street) Eric Carte (Bouquet of Barbed Wire).
By the Waters of Liverpool The UK premiere tour of Helen Forrester’s By The Waters of Liverpool, comes to Blackpool. Featuring a star-studded cast from stage and screen; Mark Moraghan, Sian Reeves, Parry Glasspool, Lucy Dixon & Eric Potts join Lynn Francis, Danny O’Brien, Roy Carruthers and Chloe McDonald. Mon 11 to Wed 13 May
Johnny Cash Roadshow This year award winning Clive John pays homage to Cash’s Career as the Man In Black, alongside his iconic Wife June Carter played by Emily Heighway the Roadshow Horns, and on selected shows The ‘Carter Sisters’. Sun 26 Jul
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DIRTY DANCING Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage announces summer 2020 at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre.
Producer Karl Sydow is delighted to announce a dazzlingly renewed version of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage, will perform at Blackpool’s iconic Grand Theatre for Summer 2020 before heading out on further UK and European dates. The iconic story of Baby and Johnny, featuring the hit songs 'Hungry Eyes', ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and the heart stopping ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’, returns to the stage, following two blockbuster West End runs, four hit UK tours, and multiple sensational international productions.
It’s the summer of 1963, and 17-year-old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman is about to learn some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing.
On holiday in New York’s Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents, she shows little interest in the resort activities, and instead discovers her own entertainment when she stumbles across an all-night dance party at the staff quarters. Mesmerised by the raunchy dance moves and the pounding rhythms, Baby can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle, the resort dance instructor. Her life is about to change forever as she is thrown in at the deep end as Johnny’s leading lady both on-stage and off, and two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Tue 4 Aug - Sat 29 Aug
Ruth Eastwood, Grand Theatre Chief Executive said ‘We are incredibly excited to announce our Summer 2020 show! A show exploding with heart-pounding music, breath-taking emotion and sensationally dancing which has been seen by millions across the globe - we just can’t wait to open!’
A GRAND NEW WEBSITE Re-designed from the ground up for 2020 the Blackpool Grand's new website includes more comprehensive information on shows than ever before. The website features an expanded menu to help visitors navigate to the information they’re looking for easily and quickly, providing information not just about the shows but planning a visit as an individual, group or school. The show pages have great new features including; clearer dates and times of performances and availability of seating.
A new Concierge service for planning those special occasions. Discover more about the cast and creatives and pre and post show talks. Beautiful galleries and video also offer an insight into your chosen show. The ‘helping hand’ assistant offers 3D views of the theatre, nearby locations and pricing on hotels and Airbnb, accessibility information and where to eat and drink. The Accessibility area has had a complete overhaul, it’s reorganised to offer greater services for people visiting the theatre with individual needs including a new informative video.
Don't just take our word for it check it out for yourself at: www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk
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JULIET AND ROMEO BREAKDANCING Breakin' Convention, the world’s ground-breaking festival of hip hop dance theatre, is back with a fresh new line up! Expect jaw-dropping and inspiring performances from internationally celebrated poppers, lockers, b-boys and b-girls, including South Korea’s acclaimed Jinjo Crew, France’s Géométrie Variable and the UK’s own Spoken Movement, in a festival that showcases local talent alongside global sensations. Hosted and curated by UK hip hop theatre legend and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, the festival also features local acts Dope Male Performance Company, Freefly Crew, House of Wingz, Mind of K and Ryan Fenton. Sat 16 May
Due to popular demand Lost Dog return with their show, Juliet and Romeo, which reveals the real story of Romeo and Juliet. It turns out they didn’t die in a tragic misunderstanding; they grew up and lived happily ever after. Well they lived at least. Now they are 40ish, at least one of them is in the grips of a mid-life crisis, they feel constantly mocked by their teenage selves and haunted by the pressures of being the poster couplefor romantic love. They have decided to confront their current struggles by putting on a performance – about themselves. Their therapist told them it was a terrible idea. With Lost Dog’s blend of dance, theatre and comedy this duet, directed by Olivier Award nominated Ben Duke, takes on our cultural obsession with youth and our inevitable issues with longevity. Tue 28 Apr Age Recommendation: 13+
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THE KINGS OF COMEDY Blackpool Grand new season is packed with famous faces, check out our an incredible line up of top comedians.
*Age Restriction: 14+ (no one under this age will be permitted into the show, even with parental supervision).
Frank Skinner: Showbiz
Jon Richardson: The Knitwit*
Comedy legend Frank Skinner is adding extra dates to his latest UK tour and bringing his critically acclaimed stand-up show Showbiz to The Grand Theatre for one night only.
Who is going to smooth over the top of the margarine? How many lights are on upstairs when everybody is downstairs? Watch Jon Richardson pretend that these aren’t his foremost concerns as he leaves home on his first tour since the last one.
Sun 19 Apr
Sun 13 Sep
Ed Byrne: If I’m Honest
Jason Manford: Like Me
Join Ed Byrne as he takes a long hard look at himself and tries to decide if he has ANY traits that are worth passing on to his children. Ed presents his brand-new masterclass in observational comedy hot on the heels of his 17/18 Touring hit, Spoiler Alert!
He’s back! It’s been a busy few years for Jason since his last smash-hit stand up show but fans of his Absolute Radio show will know this nationally acclaimed comedian hasn’t changed a bit.
Sun 17 May
Sun 28 Feb 2021
CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD
THE ALL BALLS AND GLITTER TOUR What can audiences expect from the show? It’s like my life story on stage. That’s why I’ve called it The All Balls and Glitter Tour because it’s based on my first autobiography. I’ll be reminiscing, I’ll be talking about my life in Australia, I’ll be singing and presenting stuff from the musicals I’ve been involved in. It’s a celebration of my life in the theatre. Is it just you on stage or do you have a supporting cast? It’s just me but I do have a pianist, obviously, because I need music for when I sing songs. Also, there are some poignant songs like, for instance, My Way - which was my father’s favourite tune that I sang at his funeral. Every song will be connected to a story of my life. You must have fond memories of Blackpool? Absolutely! We always have a wonderful time there with the Strictly finals. And my waxwork is there. The likeness is uncanny!
It’s your first-time flying solo. Any nerves? Of course, I’m nervous. I think any stand-up comedian or performer gets nervous before a new show that they’ve written and also, you’re very exposed, but I sort of like that. I sort of like the fear factor. I thrive on it. So yes, I’m nervous but it’s also going to be really exciting as well. Is there audience participation or will they be safe in their seats? I don’t know yet [laughs] but I don’t think anyone’s going to feel safe coming to see my show. That’s the beauty of it. Will there be dirt-dishing? Of course! I’ve got so many stories from backstage on Strictly and so many theatre stories as well. I’ll be sharing those anecdotes while hopefully entertaining and enlightening people. That’s what I love to do and it’s what I feel I was born to do. It’s going to be a really great fun night out.
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Do you have any pre- or post-show rituals? I do a physical and vocal warm-up and if I didn’t do it, I don’t think I’d be able to do the show. Then there’s setting the dressing room up because I think it’s important that everything is in place. I don’t turn round three times or anything like that; I’m not superstitious. But I rely on Berocca and the warm-ups, which get me focused ready for the show. Then afterwards I generally have something to eat and just wind down with friends, although it’s going to be different with this show because we don’t have a company. It’ll just be me, plus it will be an exhausting show so I’ll most likely be travelling to the next city and getting some sleep. What’s your idea of a great day off? If the sun is shining then it’s a relaxed picnic in the middle of a wood somewhere. And in winter? Glamping with lots of heaters! Sun 28 Jun
ALAN CARR: NOT AGAIN, ALAN!
It's been four years since Alan last went on tour, and in that time he's managed to find himself in all sorts of dramas. Between his star-studded wedding day and becoming an accidental anarchist, from fearing for his life at border control to becoming a reluctant farmer, three words spring to mind…Not again, Alan! It’s been a busy few years for Alan since he finished hosting 16 series of his BAFTA award-winning Channel 4 chat-show Alan Carr Chatty Man. His recent TV shows include; Host of two series of There’s Something About Movie’s (Sky One), host of Kylie’s Secret Night (Channel 4), Alan Carr’s Celebrity Replay (ITV), host of I Don’t Like Mondays (Channel 4), The Price Is Right (Channel 4) and Alan Carr’s Happy Hour (Channel 4). Alan has also co-hosted four Stand Up To Cancer live fundraising events for Channel 4.Later this year, Alan will be back on our television screens as host of ITV’s
Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow. The series will see five of the country’s all-time favourite game shows supersized and reinvigorated for a brand new audience. The five legendary formats getting the big scale treatment are: Play Your Cards Right, Take Your Pick, Strike It Lucky, Bullseye, and The Price is Right. Also in 2020, Alan will be returning as a judge on the highly anticipated second series of the BBC’s RuPaul’s DragRace UK. Join Alan on tour as he muses upon the things that make his life weird and wonderful. Fri 20 and Sat 21 Nov
ROB BECKETT WALLOP! An Interview with Rob Beckett by Brian Donaldson.
Rob Beckett’s comedy has long been packing a solid punch, so he’s found the ideal title for his new touring show in Wallop! ‘As a word, ‘wallop’ just isn’t used enough but I use it quite a lot. I think it sums up me and my show. ‘ Here it is, have a bit of that’, we’ll enjoy ourselves and then go home. I’m very much in it for the audience and to do whatever it takes to be as funny as possible for an hour and a half as opposed to delivering a message or narrative or lifechanging view of the world. My show isn’t going to sort out Brexit, but it will take your mind off it for an hour and a half. Essentially, the show is all about the funniest things that have happened to me or I’ve thought of since the last tour.’ It’s been ten years since Rob Beckett first launched his career in the stand-up game, and nine years since he took third spot (“I prefer to call it rwunner-up!”) in the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny competition which culminates each year at the Edinburgh Fringe. So, what would he say to his younger self, a decade on, now that he has a wealth of experience in
stand-up comedy and the wider entertainment world in general? “There are loads of things I would have told him not to do, but he wouldn’t have listened. I was just enjoying it and ploughing on, and obviously you make mistakes. But through throwing yourself into stuff and making mistakes you learn invaluable lessons. I had come from a working-class background and had no idea about the industry, and I didn’t even know the Edinburgh Fringe existed. Both parents were so supportive and there was no pressure, but maybe if you had been to Oxbridge or Durham and your parents had funded your education, they’d be saying ‘why are you going to the Edinburgh Fringe? You should be off being a barrister!’ So there was no expectation on me . . . But mainly I’d say to him, ‘cut your hair because it’s an absolute disgrace!’” Thu 11 Jun
New date added Wed 10 Jun
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THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC
OUR EXTRAS We know there’s more to your visit than just a show. From special extras to travel we’ve got everything you need to make your visit a night to remember. West Street Car Park Ticket Take advantage of our West Street Car Park Ticket, offering discounted parking to bookers of evening performances at the Blackpool Grand Theatre (5:30pm to 12:30am). Ticket does not guarantee availability of parking. You must have your Grand Parking Ticket prior to entering the car park.
Treat your ears to some fantastic music this season. From Rock ‘n’ Roll to Disco, Rhythm & Blues to Pop. There is something for everyone!
Blackpool Transport Return Bus Ticket
Lost in Music
Why not get yourself a Blackpool Transport Bus Ticket, offering discounted bus travel to bookers of performances at the Blackpool Grand Theatre saving over 40 percent. You must have your Bus Ticket prior to travel.
Get ready to recreate the Magical 70’s and let us take you on a musical journey straight to the heart of Disco! Relive some of the greatest songs of all time from Artists such as Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Chic & Sister Sledge.
Flowers or Flowers and Chocolates
Fri 22 May This is a tribute show and is in no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows. Promoter reserves the right to alter the programme.
Add something special to your visit with a bouquet of flowers delivered direct to your seat. Our talented flower team carefully create White Radiance hand tied bouquets using seasonal stems in shades of white tied with a ribbon. Image for display purposes only. Also available with a box of Chocolate Truffles.
Wilko Johnson
Game of Thrones actor and Legendary Dr Feelgood guitarist Johnson has enjoyed a rousing return to the live arena. With Blockhead Norman Watt Roy (bass) and Dylan Howe (drums), the Wilko Johnson band personify time served master craftsmen at the top of their game. Special guest ‘Rock and Roll’s Greatest Failure’ John Otway.
Bottle of Prosecco You can now pre-order a bottle of Prosecco that will be waiting for you at the bar (for consumption in the bar only). Skip the queues and make it an evening to remember. Image for display purposes only.
Sat 23 May
Steve Steinman’s Anything For Love – The Meat Loaf Story
With incredible stage set live band and production. Feature Meat Loaf’s greatest hits of all time including; Anything For Love, Bat Out Of Hell, Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth, Dead Ringer For Love and many, many more. Sun 24 May
Bon Jovi
The Bon Jovi Experience are the world’s first and finest tribute to the great Bon Jovi and are the world’s ONLY tribute to have been requested by and to have performed live on stage with Jon Bon Jovi himself. Thu 18 Jun
THE GRAND FACTOR Blackpool Grand has partnered with Blackpool’s award-winning concierge service Concierge Ninja, headed by Business Director, Amanda Crossley. The new partnership aims to offer customers incredible extra services such as flowers, transport and hotel packages, nothing is too much trouble. With VIP access the partnership will allow guests to have the experience of their lives. Perfect for that special birthday, anniversary or simply just a treat! Blackpool Grand partnered with Concierge Ninja as they understand the theatre brand and ethics in wanting to ensure customers have the Ultimate Experience when visiting the Theatre. The magic doesn’t have to start when the curtains open, it can start when the day begins! Waking up on the day feeling like a VIP – knowing that you are being looked after and cared for by a professional concierge every minute of the day. To discover more about creating the ultimate experience contact Amanda and her team at Concierge Ninja www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/conciergeninja
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FAMILY FUN AT THE GRAND Make some fantastic new memories with your little adventurers this year. Bring them to one of our incredible new family shows for a day they’ll never forget... Shrek
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Caroline or Change) wand a side-splitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears. Presented by Blackpool Operatic Players. Wed 8 to Sat 11 Apr
Little Red Riding Hood
Retelling the classic fairy-tale with a Northern Ballet twist, Little Red Riding Hood is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre. This child friendly performance lasts approximately 40 minutes. Sat 18 Apr
We want to make visiting Blackpool Grand as easy and comfortable as we can for our customers with accessible needs, joining Blackpool Grand Access Register will help us as a theatre and our staff deliver the best possible experience for you. What are the benefits of joining the Access Register? • Direct online booking: Registering allows you to book wheelchair seats, Captioned, BSL, Audio Described and Relaxed performances online. • Registering helps us to process your bookings quickly and easily; you only need to provide details of your requirements once, rather than every time you book.
The Tiger Who Came To Tea
• Personal Assistant Tickets: If you need someone to accompany you, registering allows you to book a Personal Assistant ticket for theatre shows at no charge.
Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised!
It’s that easy, you don’t even need to remember a card or a customer number.
Suitable for children aged 3+
Visit www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/access-register to download the Access Register Form or request a postal copy from our Box Office on 01253 290190, complete the form and supply the required supporting documents and return it to us by email or post: Blackpool Grand Theatre, Access Register – Box Office, 33 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 1HT.
Tue 19 and Wed 20 May
Peppa Pig
Alternatively, drop it in to the Box Office in person.
Peppa Pig is returning to Blackpool with a brand-new show, Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever! Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig – it’s going to be her best day ever! Sat 13 and Sun 14 Jun
So how do I register?
www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk /access-register
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PLEASE TAKE A SEAT Support Blackpool’s Grand Theatre by making a donation to our Artistic Programme.
SOME MOTHERS DO 'AVE 'EM An Interview with Director Guy Unsworth
Working together on Spamalot in the West End two years ago, Guy recalls how actor and comedian Joe Pasquale blew up an electric fan in a bid to mend it.
“We’ve spent a lot of time in the last few years discussing what we shouldn’t be laughing at. Watching something that makes us laugh and feel warm is a reaction to that, I think.” And with Joe playing the hapless Frank it seems that laughter is guaranteed.
Inadvertently creating a moment that was straight out of Some Mothers (a BANG! followed by the smell of singed hair and a look of electrified bewilderment on Joe’s face), the idea for Joe to play Frank in a stage version was born and Guy and Joe joined forces to drive the project forwards.
Certainly Some Mothers sounds like it ticks that box, and joining Joe will be Susie Blake as Mrs Fisher, Frank’s disapproving mother-in-law, Moray Treadwell as Mr Luscombe, David Shaw-Parker as Father O’Hara and Chris Kiely as Desmond. Playing Frank’s long-suffering wife Betty is Joe’s Spamalot co-star Sarah Earnshaw.
Writing the script was a particular privilege for Guy, who won the Directors Guild of Great Britain award for Best New Director. A huge fan of British comedy and with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject, Guy says that he had clear ideas about the Some Mothers stage play from the outset.
“I’m glad we are doing something that everyone can enjoy together. We live in a divided world in many ways and theatre is a chance for different groups of people to come together and experience something at the same time. With Netflix and TV ‘on demand’ we never really sit down and watch something together. I love that electric feeling you get when a theatre is full and the show is about to start,” says Guy.
“I was very keen that it shouldn’t just be a re-run of old episodes, so it is based on a particular point in Frank’s life, when Betty was trying to tell him she is pregnant. I knew it had to be something written specifically for the stage - something that would work in a theatre. What we have now is quite a traditional British farce, with surprises. It is two hours in real time, set one evening when they are expecting people for dinner. Chaos ensues!” he teases, refusing to give more away.
Whether it is to show your love for the theatre or remember a loved one or to give a unique gift, help support the Blackpool’s Grand Theatre’s artistic programme with a donation. As acknowledgment of your donation we will mark it with a plaque on a seat leave a lasting mark in the theatre’s main auditorium. Your plaque will be present for 10 years. A minimum £350 donation, includes a seat plaque, with your name, fitted to the back of a seat. Please complete the following details and forward to; The Grand Theatre, Administration Dept, 33 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 1HT or email admin@blackpoolgrand.co.uk we will be in touch to take payment.
With tickets selling faster than Frank Spencer on roller skates, the mood music suggests the show will amass new devotees at every performance of every date of the six-month national tour. Tue 21 to Sat 25 Apr
find out more at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/takeyourseat
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Mirror, Mirror on the wall… What’s the greatest panto of them all? Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Blackpool’s Grand of course…Panto favourite Steve Royle (BBC Radio Lancashire) returns as Muddles, to make his 18th annual appearance. Full star cast to be announced…
So, don’t miss our spectacular, fun-packed, family pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! An unmissable family pantomime. Heigh-Ho… Heigh-Ho… It’s off to Blackpool Grand’s panto we go! Fri 4 Dec to Sun 3 Jan 2021
Grand Theatre Blackpool, 33 Church Street, Blackpool, FY1 1HT | Box Office t. 01253 290190 | e. box@blackpoolgrand.co.uk INFORMATION CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS AND OFFERS MAY ONLY BE VALID AT SELECTED TIMES. ALL TICKETS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. SOME SHOWS HAVE AGE GUIDANCE. © Blackpool Grand Theatre (Arts & Entertainments) Ltd. Registered number (England and Wales) 2825229. Registered Charity No. 1022754.
DESIGN: THE NU AGENCY
Join us for the greatest magical pantomime ever told, poor Snow White is doomed to live unhappily ever after with her horrid stepmother the Wicked Queen. In true rags-to-riches style Snow White manages, with the help of her madcap friend Muddles, to meet a handsome Prince and make her dreams come true.