INTERVAL Magazine | Summer 2019

BLACKPOOL GRAND THEATRE

FR E E S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

blackpoolgrand.co.uk ISSUE FIVE

THE WOMAN

IN BL ACK BEHIND THE SCENES OF PETER PAN

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80S DAYS

JOE PASQUALE RETURNS

MEET THE CAST OF OUR WORLD PREMIERE AROUND THE WORLD IN 80S DAYS The Blackpool Grand Theatre has announced the first cast members for its ‘theatre owned’ production, Around The World in 80s Days.

Laurie Denman joins the crew as Musical Director and Arranger and joining the cast are Andrew Bentley as Phileas Fogg; Justina Kehinde as AfricanAmerican archaeologist Akiilah, Oliver Mawdsley as Passepartout; Daniel Cane who plays villain, Cassius Gold and Christina Meehan who plays a company member. The shows will run throughout August.

Andrew Bentley - Phileas Fogg

Justina Kehinde - Akilah

Christina, brings a Blackpool connection to the cast having first performed at Blackpool Grand as a child. She said: “It’s like I have come full circle now.

The first time I was ever on stage was when I was just five years old and that was at the Grand with school, now nearly 30 years later I’m back! I always said I wanted to come back to the Grand in my career so it’s like a dream come true for me.”

The musical, written and directed by Ian McFarlane to celebrate the theatre’s 125th anniversary, is based on Jules Verne’s acclaimed novel cleverly combined with hits from the 80s for a show-stopping performance. It tells the tale of gentleman adventurer, Phileas Fogg, and his valet Passepartout, racing against time all mashed up with 80s chart toppers such as Human League, Pet Shop Boys and Survivor.

Daniel Cane - Professor Gold

ON THE COVER The West End smash hit The Woman in Black opens its 2019 Tour in Blackpool this September.

Book now and join the millions of theatregoers worldwide who have experienced ‘The most brilliantly effective spine-chiller you will ever encounter’ Daily Telegraph.

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Christina Meehan - Company

Writer and Director Ian McFarlane said: “We’ve started working in the rehearsal room and we are having the best time. The cast are seriously funny, it’s hard to get through a scene without someone laughing hysterically!

“Hearing the cast sing these songs in rehearsals is thrilling. I think people are going to be blown away.”

Around the World in 80s Days Wed 31 Jul to Sat 31 Aug

Oliver Mawdsley - Passepartout

Laurie Denman - Musical Director

JUST ANNOUNCED...

The Children’s Theatre Partnership (CTP) and Royal & Derngate, Northampton are delighted to present a UK Tour of the Nottingham Playhouse production of Holes, written by Louis Sachar and directed by Adam Penford.

Holes is an inventive new stage show based on the multi-award-winning novel and blockbuster film of the same name. It is a thrilling off-beat comedy adventure which tells the story of Stanley Yelnats, who is born into a family cursed with bad luck and finds himself accused of a crime he didn’t commit.

Sent to a labour camp as punishment, he is tasked with digging one hole, five-foot wide by five-foot deep, every day. He is told it is to build ‘character’.

But the tyrannical Warden is definitely hiding something. How will Stanley and his fellow inmates deal with her demands, her two cronies, plus the fearsome rattlesnakes and yellowspotted lizards? And will Stanley and his new friends unearth what’s really going on?

Holes Tue 5 to Sat 9 May 2020

IT WAS ACCEPTABLE IN THE 80s HIGHLIGHT

Timeout Top 10 80s Hits 0I. Wanna Dance with Somebody Whitney Houston 02. Take On Me A-ha 03. Don't Stop Believin' Journey 04. Modern Love David Bowie 05. Beat It Michael Jackson 06. When Doves Cry Prince 07. Into the Groove Madonna 08. Blue Monday New Order 09. Dancing in the Dark Bruce Springsteen 10. Everybody Wants to Rule the World Tears for Fears

Empire Top 10 80s Films 01. Raiders of the Lost Ark 1981 02 The Empire Strikes Back 1980 03. Raging Bull 1980 04. Blade Runner 1982 05. Back to the Future 1985 06. Die Hard 1988 07. Aliens 1986 08. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 1982 09. This is Spinal Tap 1984 10. Evil Dead II 1987

80s Fashion Trends that are Back with a Bang!

Neon Animal Print Metallic Glam Velvet Sportswear Denim Jackets

SHREK THE MUSICAL Everyone's favourite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film. Presented by Blackpool Operatic Players.

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) and 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.

"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek‌" And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a shorttempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero.

Luckily, there's one on hand...and his name is Shrek.

Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all), and more!

Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.

Shrek The Musical Wed 8 to Sat 11 Apr 2020

Discover more about our shows at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/whatson 3

GREAT DRAMA Dangerous Obsessions It’s a sunny afternoon in the Home Counties…

Sally Driscoll is watering her plants after an afternoon sunbathing. A peaceful scene – until a bespectacled man suddenly appears at the door. John Barrett is not selling double glazing… it becomes clear that he is there looking for someone to take the blame for his wife’s accident.

Tue 12 to Sat 16 Nov

Private Peaceful Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn.

During the night, he looks back at his short but joyful past: his exciting first days at school; his adventures with Molly, and the battles and injustices of war that brought him to the front line. Age Guidance 8+ Wed 20 Nov

A Murder is Announced The residents of Chipping Cleghorn are astonished to read an advert in the local newspaper that a murder will take place this coming Friday at Little Paddocks. Unable to resist, the group gather at the house, when the lights go out and a gun is fired. Enter Miss Marple, who must unravel a complex series of relationships and events to solve the mystery of the killer…

Tue 26 to Sat 30 Nov

MUSIC

LET'S DANCE

Join us for our extraordinary dance shows this season.

From the tightest twirling in the business to the vivid physical dance language of Gary Clarke these dance shows are guaranteed to make pulses race.

GARY CLARKE COMPANY WASTELAND In 1994 hundreds of coal miners hung up their pit boots as Grimethorpe Colliery was destroyed, along with the tight-knit working-class community that surrounded it. WASTELAND, Gary Clarke’s sequel to COAL, looks at how two generations coped in this era of radical upheaval. As we see one generation grind to a halt, we follow the next into the 90s illegal rave scene, where derelict warehouses and abandoned work spaces became home for a new-found community of music and dance. Age Guidance 14yrs+ Fri 8 Nov

GERMAN CORNEJO’S TANGO FIRE The award-winning Tango Fire returns the UK direct from a West End run, due to incredible popular demand. Starring internationally renowned Argentinean tango superstars German Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi, who are joined by a cast of extraordinary tango dancers, including World Tango champions, this is a fiery and explosive journey through the history of authentic Argentine Tango.

Sun 23 Feb 2020

For fans of Music there’s a huge selection of shows at The Grand. From Dolly to Springsteen, Streisand to The Beatles there’s a show for all music tastes this Autumn.

Islands in the Stream - Sun 22 Sep

Sound of Springsteen - Tue 5 Nov

Islands in the Stream celebrates the music of Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers. Leave your 9 to 5 worries at the door and get ready for a night in the company of Country Music Royalty!

The Sound of Springsteen were formed in late 2017 from a passion for the work of ‘THE BOSS’. Each member of the band was carefully chosen for their unique abilities as a performer and an undeniable love of music.

A N E V E N I N G O F M U S I C , L A U G H T E R & S T O RY T E L L I N G

ELO - Sun 13 Oct

HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH ENCORE RADIO

BRITISH THEATRE

WEST END WILMA

JEWISH NEWS

THE GAY UK

LONDON THEATRE 1

STAGE TALK

THEATRE WEEKLY

A must see for music lovers and Streisand fans everywhere.

Fascinating Aida’s Liza Pulman pays homage to one of the finest talents of a generation, squeezing history, warmth and humour into this critically lauded five-star triumph.

ELO AGAIN are back with their stunning ‘Re-Discovery Tour’ celebrating the truly universal music of Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra. They perform all the big hits; Mr Blue Sky, Livin’ Thing, Sweet Talkin’ Woman, Shine A Little Love, Confusion plus many more.

Half Way to Paradise - Sun 3 Nov Halfway To Paradise – The Billy Fury Story – a spectacular two hour show telling the story of Billy Fury, Britain’s legendary Rock n Roller, featuring the golden voice of Colin Gold.

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Liza Pulman sings Streisand - Sat 9 Nov

T H E WAY W E W E R E • E V E R G R E E N YOU DON’T BRING ME FLOWERS PEOPLE • SECOND HAND ROSE

DON’T RAIN ON MY PARADE NEW YORK STATE OF MIND T H E WAY H E M A K E S M E F E E L

Upbeat Beatles - Sun 10 Nov The show takes you through the Fab Four’s long and winding road from the early Cavern days through Beatlemania, America, Sergeant Pepper to Abbey Road.

Over two hours of non-stop music from She Loves You to I Am The Walrus and beyond.

HEY THAT'S NEW!

GRAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Boogie Wonderland Sat 23 Nov

RETURNS FOR 2019

Join us for the ultimate celebration of the biggest disco floor fillers ever. Boogie Wonderland is the UK’s number one disco tribute show and is guaranteed to have you dancing All Night Long.

Poulton-le-Fylde Band returns with the heartwarming Grand Christmas Concert – a fabulous festive treat for all the family.

Poulton-le-Fylde Brass Band will celebrate the festive season in rousing style with the yearly Grand Christmas Concert. Packed with all your favourite sing-along carols and festive melodies, this family friendly concert is the perfect start to your Christmas.

You Win Again Sun 2 Feb 2020

Grand Christmas Concert Wed 18 Dec

This breath-taking concert will take you on a journey through all your favourite songs, including: Night Fever, Stayin’ Alive, How Deep is Your Love?, Tragedy, Grease, If I Can’t Have You and many more!

Vampires Rock – Ghost Train Fri 7 Feb 2020 The musical sensation that’s been rocking the nation for over 18 years.

Starring Steve Steinman and an incredible cast of singers, dancers and musicians, this show will have you rocking in the aisles.

Midge Ure Sun 16 Feb 2020 Midge Ure and Band Electronica come to Blackpool with The 1980 Tour- celebrating ‘Vienna’ and ‘Visage’, the sound of the future.

THE RUSSIAN STATE BALLET OF SIBERIA RETURN… Formed in 1981, the Russian State Ballet of Siberia has quickly established itself as one of Russia’s leading ballet companies and has built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and unusual depth.

Age Restriction 14 yrs +

Believe -The Cher Songbook Fri 6 Mar

The soloists and corps de ballet are superb, and never fail to delight audiences with their breathtaking physical ability and dazzling costumes.

‘It is always a pleasure to bring the unique traditions of Russian Ballet to British audiences.’ Said Sergei Bobrov the Artistic Director ‘Touring across the UK with a full company of dancers as well as highly skilled musicians is always exciting, for me, it is very special to have the power of a symphony orchestra bringing the choreography to life on stage.’

Experience the ultimate tribute to Cher with dazzling costume changes, outstanding musicianship and relive the Cher songbook including I Got You Babe, Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves and If I Could Turn Back Time.

Sleeping Beauty - Fri 17 Jan The Nutcracker - Sat 18 Jan Swan Lake - Sun 19 Jan Discover more about our shows at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/whatson 5

6 Discover more about our shows at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/whatson

PANTOMIME

PETER PAN - THE PANTOMIME

THE MAGIC OF COSTUME CREATION

The wardrobe department will be supplying thousands of costumes ready for pantomimes up and down the country being staged by UK Productions Ltd. - which is the company behind the Grand Theatre’s annual Christmas spectacular.

This year, Head Wardrobe Liz and her team have been tasked with creating a whole set of costumes for the panto production of Peter Pan for Blackpool’s Grand Theatre.

“We know Peter Pan really well, UK Productions first staged it in 2003 at the Blackpool Grand. Tony Caunter stared as Hook, alongside Maureen Nolan as Mrs Darling and the familiar face of Steve Royal as Smee. We have produced many versions of Peter Pan, last year we had four sets out at various theatres around the country. This year’s set of costumes are brand new to the Grand theatre, look out for the swashbuckling pirates, funky Indians and shimmering mermaids!

'Not to mention the Hook outfit, which is a project of its own, the costume has to be easy to work in; we’ve got to get the balance for young children coming to see it and him not being too scary. There’re also elements of flying in the show so the costumes must be adaptable for that purpose too.

But the work doesn’t stop there. Once all the costumes are dispatched in December, there’s a big deep clean at the warehouse and studios. And in the new year - once panto season is over – it takes two to three months for the costumes to be cleaned and stored ready for the next year.

Martin Dodd Managing Director of UK Productions said: “Panto is our life, but obviously it ramps up at this time of year. Peter Pan is an incredibly exciting panto and an audience favourite. The scripts get rewritten each year, to suit the venue and bring in up-to-date with jokes, songs and more.”

Martin and the shows director work closely with the creative team to ensure all the elements come together to create theatrical magic.

“And we also keep in mind the talent we have; the fabulous comic Steve Royle from BBC Lancashire and we can write around his strengths, and Tom Lister being back is also fantastic news as Tom plays one of the best Hook’s in Pantoland!

“I give Liz a script and creative thoughts for the show and with her design head on and some input with the set designer we decide the whole picture. Even after the 25 years we have been doing this, I still sometimes say ‘How many Liz?’ when she tells me how many costumes are needed – you’d be surprised!”

Martin added, “The sets are created at our warehouse off Cornford Road, we have always housed the costumes in Blackpool, although the rest of the company is spread across the UK. The costume store has over 6,000 sq ft in storage and workshop space, with over 10,000 costumes and growing!

Blackpool’s Grand Theatre will present Peter Pan from Friday 6 Dec to Sun 5 January 2020.

“We know what the Peter Pan story is, but we have free reign to create characters within that story,”

Discover more about our shows at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/whatson 7

SPECIAL EVENTS GRAND OPERA There’s plenty of opera on offer at Blackpool’s premier theatre this coming season.

The Russian State Opera present two spectacular productions...

Aida Tue 25 Feb 2020 This brand-new production guarantees to delight you with sumptuous sets and splendid new costumes.

Featuring an impressive cast and accompanied by a live Orchestra numbering over 30 musicians Aida is a gripping love story that will keep you on the edge of your seats until the very end.

Carmen Wed 26 Feb 2020 The powerful and dramatic production of Carmen tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who falls head over heels in love with Carmen, a seductive, free-spirited femme fatale. He abandons his childhood sweetheart and neglects his military duties, only to lose Carmen to Escamillo.

Senbla by arrangement with Opera International presents Ellen Kent Productions...

La Boheme Thu 16 Apr 2020 Starring Elena Dee* the Korean soprano in her iconic role as Mimi and the celebrated international soprano Alyona Kistenyova. Directed by Ellen Kent, this brandnew 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. *Subject to Change

Madama Butterfly Fri 17 Apr 2020 Back by overwhelming public demand, this awardwinning Opera returns in a new production with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan.

THE MUSIC OF THE PEOPLE

Mugenkyo was established in 1994 by Neil Mackie & Miyuki Williams, following two years of rigorous training in Japan with Masaaki Kurumaya Sensei, the premiere taiko master of the Hokuriku style.

‘A Mugenkyo concert is very varied, with a lot theatrical elements. Some of our songs are very high-energy with fast powerful rhythms. Some songs are slower and very graceful to watch, with highly choreographed and synchronised movement. Some songs involve quieter percussion instruments, such as gongs and bells and we often perform with special guests, dancers & other musicians. The concert is a whole experience in itself.’ said Miyuki.

Neil added ‘This may sound like a cliché, but Taiko appeals to absolutely everyone, and cuts across every musical boundary. Mugenkyo perform at every kind of music festival - jazz, classical, rock, folk - and wherever we’ve played we’ve found it’s always popular amongst audiences. As they say in Japan, Taiko really is the music of the people."

Miyuki’s favourite thing about Taiko is that it ‘encompasses many things.

It's physical, it's music, it's rhythm, it's energy, it's dance, it's spiritual, it's theatrical - it's so much more than 'just drumming'. A live Taiko concert is a very moving experience. The reverberation of the drums goes right through you - it's not just about hearing the drums or watching the show - it's about feeling the music in a very physical way.’

Don’t miss the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers when they return to Blackpool’s Grand this November!

Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers Sun 24 Nov

JOIN MUCH-LOVED TV ADVENTURER BEN FOGLE Join Ben in this uplifting and exciting show, when he’ll be sharing his stories of the wilderness. Ben has climbed Everest, been swimming with crocodiles, saved elephants, dodged pirates, been marooned for a year on an uninhabited island, walked to the South Pole, Crossed the Empty Quarter with camels, rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, tracked the Migration of the Wilderbeest, swum from Alcatraz, had a flesh eating disease and messed around with ferrets!

Experience thrilling tales from a modern-day explorer.

From crossing Antarctica to conquering Everest,

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Ben will take the audience on an inspiring adventure.

The much-loved TV adventurer will recount, with warmth and honesty, his thrilling tales. If you like Ben's TV shows then you'll love this personal and intimate evening of stories from around the world.

The show will include multi-media.

Ben Fogle – Tales From the Wilderness Sun 8 Mar 2020

SPECIAL EVENTS

IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE Creature and Costume Designer Tahra Zafar

FRIENDSICAL Could we BE any more excited?

Full casting has been announced for the eagerly awaited world premiere of Friendsical. Playing everyone’s favourite friends are Jordan Fox (Kinky Boots, Loserville) as Joey, Sarah Goggin (Sister Act) as Monica, Jamie Lee-Morgan (War Horse, Madagascar The Musical) as Ross, Thomas Mitchells (The Buddy Holly Story, Big Girls Don't Cry) as Chandler, Ally Retberg (Fame) as Phoebe and Charlotte Elisabeth York (Chicken Soup for the Musical Theatre Soul, The Addams Family) as Rachel. They will be joined by an Ensemble of Duncan Burt and Rebecca Withers.

The hilarious parody musical is written by Miranda Larson a highly experienced writer-director for TV and theatre. A huge fan of the TV Show, Friends, Miranda was inspired to write her own friendsbased comedy, The Box Upstairs and it was her first commissioned play in 2004.

Tahra Zafar is the animatronics, puppet and costume maestro whose career spans blockbusters Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Star Wars VII, theatre including Phantom of the Opera, Lady Gaga’s Monster Tour - and even a spell working with the Queen on her first and only acting role. Tahra was head of costume for the Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies at London 2012 - where Elizabeth II was one of 23,000 people that she had to dress.

But ask the creative whiz what character she’s most proud of working on in her three decade-plus career, and the answer isn’t Hermione, Gaga or R2D2 - it’s Upsy Daisy, the ever-happy doll with rainbow-coloured hair, who Tahra designed for the original TV show of In the Night Garden.

Tahra first designed Upsy Daisy more than a decade ago. ‘Working on her was my first job after I returned from maternity leave with my now 14-year-old,’ she laughs. ‘I used to bring my then-toddler into the workshop, and the crew would all watch how she responded to our characters - luckily, she laughed at all the right times!’

Piggy at the Jim Henson Creature Shop.

Children’s theatre, said Tahra, ‘is all about being together, taking in a shared experience, escaping everyday worries, being taken somewhere different. The previous tour of In the Night Garden Live was in a huge showdome, so there were restrictions about where it could pitch up. This time, touring more than 40 regional theatres, we can go to new areas; Igglepiggle and Makka Pakka can meet more of the next generation.

‘I love sitting in the audience and seeing all these very active toddlers watching the show, entranced they’re completely still, blown away by it. It’s magical to see.’

In the Night Garden Live Sat 7 and Sun 8 Sep

Tahra’s first job was working on costumes at the English Shakespeare Company; her next was on Phantom of the Opera, and then came the step onto screen, working in the offices of Kermit and Miss

When Ross’ wife leaves him for another woman, he fears he will never find love again. But then Rachel runs back into his life... will he end up with his one true love?

Featuring original songs such as ‘(He’s her) Lobster!’, ‘Richard’s Moustache’ and ‘You’re Over Me? When Were You Under Me?’, the gang take on naked Thursdays, a power cut, and a dinosaur convention.

What could possibly go wrong?

This is a loving parody not to be confused with the Warner Bros Entertainment Inc. series Friends.

Friendsical the Musical Mon 23 to Sat 28 Sep

BOOGIE NIGHTS Boogie Nights The 70s Musical tells the hilarious and heart-warming story of Roddy, a Jack-the-lad, whose life of birds, booze and boogie is about to be turned upside down.

It’s the night that the King, Elvis Presley, died and Roddy O’Neill is busy dreaming of life as a rock star!

Debs, his girlfriend, has her own thoughts… basically that Roddy’s a selfish, arrogant, horrible, unfeeling, rude, heartless pig! But the truth is that Roddy is in love with Debs, and Debs is in love with Roddy, but Debs knows that her Roddy has more than a roving eye! Through all their tears and laughter – can they both find what they are truly searching for?

Packed with all the greatest Disco classics you’ll be dancing in the aisles to the grooviest chart topping hits like ‘You Sexy Thing’,’ Y.M.C.A.’, ‘I Will Survive’, ‘Blame it on the Boogie’ ‘Enough is Enough, ‘Celebration’, ‘Boogie Wonderland’ and many many more!

Boogie Nights presented by Blackpool & Fylde Light Opera Company who brought, Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Grease, 9 to 5 and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to Blackpool’s premier theatre.

Boogie Nights Wed 27 to Sat 30 May 2020

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FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY Strangers on a Train Set Lip Service presents Strangers on a Train Set, a comedy crime drama. With clever use of projection and train sets, LipService give you a whistle stop tour that will leave you breathless and racing for the refreshment coach.

Thu 5 Sep

WHAT'S MINE IS YOURS AND WHAT IS YOURS IS MINE...

RSC Artistic Director, Gregory Doran, talks about his production of Measure for Measure.

What excites you about directing Measure for Measure?

Measure for Measure has particular resonance today. Just look at the plot.

A young woman appeals to a man in authority to save her brother’s life. He agrees on condition that she sleeps with him. When she threatens to expose him, he asks who would believe her.

Stewart Frances – Into the Punset Star of Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo, Stewart Francis embarks on a brand-new show, in this, his last tour EVER!!! See him before he heads off… INTO THE PUNSET. It’s time to sit back and enjoy his excellent jokes for the last time, on the last leg of his farewell tour. Age Restriction 16+ Sat 5 Oct

Psychic Sally – 10 Years and Counting Following her gripping appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, the nation’s favourite Psychic and forerunner is the Psychic world is back on tour with her all new show ’10 Years and Counting’. Wowing audiences young and old across the country for over 10 years, Sally’s show will have you on the edge ofyour seat, as she brings mediumship into the 21st Century.

Stephen Brimson Lewis, RSC Director of Design, has designed the show.

Can you tell us something about how the production will look?

The script reads like a film script. It’s very fast and has the pace of a thriller.

It also feels like film noir, and we have tried to ensure that any set we have only enhances that sense, and does not hold up the action.

If people have seen previous productions of the play, how would you entice them to come and see this one?

We have an exceptional cast: including Antony Byrne as the Duke, Lucy Phelps as Isabella, Sandy Grierson as Angelo, Joseph Arkley as Lucio and James Cooney as Claudio, as well (as a complete bonus) both Amanda Harris and Clare Price delivering smaller roles. That is the joy of the ensemble. And they are all match fit having performed the first two plays in the summer season.

I am very excited about the production and the play.

You must have directed nearly all of the Shakespearean canon. Which of Shakespeare’s works have you left to tackle? Is it your ambition to direct all of them?

Measure for Measure is our 27th production as we journey through the entire canon, since I took over as Artistic Director, and I think it is also the 28th Shakespeare play I have directed for the company. So I am just over 3/4 of the way through. Alfred J Prufrock, in T.S.Eliot’s poem, measured out his life in coffee spoons, I guess I have measured out mine in Shakespeare plays. I have been very lucky. It would be a shame not to finish.

RSC Measure For Measure is part of a Triple Bill including: As You Like It and Taming of the Shrew running Wed 25 Mar to Sat 4 Apr 2020

Wed 6 Nov

JOE PASQUALE

On being Frank Spencer, living dangerously and a naughty on-stage habit…

What can people expect from the stage show of Some Mothers Do ‘Av ‘Em? Proper family comedy that is set in the 70s and is so funny that you will laugh solidly for two hours.

Do you find touring life tiring?

Touring in Some Mothers will be a lot easier than my stand-up show, when a tour is usually forty one-nighters.

A week in one place will be like a holiday.

In the original TV series there were a lot of crazy stunts. How about the stage show?

I’m doing it all – hanging by my ankles, chicken chasing and all sorts. If it’s not dangerous or life threatening I’m not interested anymore.

Got any nicknames?

Sarah Earnshaw who plays Frank’s wife Betty calls me The Unstoppable Moron.

Michael Crawford is inexorably linked with the character of Frank Spencer. Will you be imitating his performance?

No. That would be an insult to Michael. I will be projecting my own personality on to the role.

When we did the final workshop we had an invited audience. All the younger people didn’t know the show or have a frame of reference with Michael, but they laughed their socks off. Even the older people who remember the original forgot Michael doing it in within five minutes – the script is so good.

What’s your philosophy for life?

Feel the fear and do it anyway.

You’re a long time dead; you might as well live while you can.

What’s your most unappealing habit?

I am terrible for farting onstage.

Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em Tue 21 to Sat 25 Apr 2020

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THE WOMAN IN BLACK

30 YEARS OF SLEEPLESS NIGHTS 'The Director Reflects' - By Robin Herford The Woman in Black has now been running continuously in the same West End theatre for thirty years, as well as completing over a dozen UK wide tours, and during that time, one of the most common remarks I have received is that audience members have not been able to sleep after attending a performance of the play - at least, not without leaving the light on!

When I was rehearsing the play for the very first time, for its World Premiere in a tiny theatre in Scarborough in 1987, the actor playing Arthur Kipps admitted to me that he had been unable to sleep during the entire rehearsal period. I was torn between genuine concern for the actor’s welfare, and a certain grim delight that this terrifying story was getting to him!

It is a play that appeals to the imagination. And we all have one of those. One of the greatest pleasures I have experienced in my long association with the piece is the huge number of young people who have witnessed the play and felt its visceral impact, as well as the enormous diversity of our audiences.

At a time when the theatre is seeking new audiences, I am thrilled that this is a play which appeals not only to all areas of society, but also to adults of all ages, from twelve to a hundred.

People don’t expect to be frightened in a theatre.

They underestimate the power of live performance, of sharing the same space as the actors, of breathing the same air as them, of witnessing the simple rough magic of performance brought to them through the actors’ skill and the communal act of experiencing a gripping story, grippingly told, with hundreds of other terrified theatre goers.

It is also a production that is thirty years young, thanks to our policy of changing the cast regularly and thus genuinely re-inventing the play with a fresh set of actors. I always personally direct the show and marvel at how endlessly creative actors can be.

Blackpool’s Grand Theatre is the first date on our latest nationwide tour. We are delighted to be here.

New cast, new show.

If this is the first time you have been to the theatre, I guarantee you won’t forget it. But I advise you to leave the light on tonight. You’d be foolish to do otherwise.

The Woman in Black Wed 11 to Sat 14 Sep

Discover more about our shows at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/whatson 11

WAYS TO SUPPORT THE GRAND

If you would like to support Blackpool’s Grand Theatre then there are many ways you can do so, visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk/125supportus. From Lapel badges, the BIG 125 Draw where you could win £5,000, and our 125 Club, there’s lots of way you can help, even a small donation of £1.25.

The 125 Big Grand Draw Enter our raffle drawn on 18 December for the chance to win £1,000, £2,000 or a whopping £5,000. Tickets are £2 each and can be purchased online or when visiting the Theatre.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY Critically acclaimed ENSEMBLE Theatre bring you The Addams Family following their major hit productions of Oliver and The Sound of Music.

From the creators of the Jersey Boys musical Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and multi award winning Andrew Lippa, this hilarious musical promises to be a spectacular production.

When Wednesday (The Addams family's rebellious daughter) brings home a "normal" boyfriend, chaos ensues from both family members (alive or dead), it's a love story with a real heart, albeit a twisted one!

Join Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Wednesday, Pugsley & not forgetting Grandma ... “They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re altogether ooky!” on this magical and fabulous musical - it's the hottest ticket this season and early booking is advised.

The Addams Family Wed 18 to Sat 21 Sep

Purchase a 125 Limited Edition Lapel Badge Our Rose Gold coloured Limited Edition badge will be available from the Box Office, From our Front of House Volunteers and online.

125 Heritage Open Days For our 125th Anniversary we will be holding a limited run of special access days; The 125 Celebration Open Day will be free of charge.

Allowing you to wander free around public areas with a special selection of our archive on display highlighting our 125 years, from the original build through to the epic struggle, to the glorious theatre it is today…

Book online or call our Box Office on 01253 290 190 for one of our thirty-minute tours led by one of our heritage volunteers (£4 p/p).

STEVE ROYLE’S COMEDY CHAOS

Blackpool’s Grand Theatre has teamed up with Pantomime Veteran and BBC Radio Lancashire star Steve Royle and Special Guest Magician Russ Brown to create the theatre’s first dedicated Summer Show for all the Family!

Royle, who is a veteran 16-year performer in Pantomime at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre, has supported both Peter Kay and Dave Spikey on tour and was voted ‘Entertainer of the Year’ at the Red Rose Awards. Russ Brown, who will be joining Royle on stage, has a unique style, involving lots of audience participation, loud music and crazy gags has captivated kids (and their parents) from around the globe.

Steve Royle’s Comedy Chaos For Kids starring Russ Brown – expect a fun, manic, hilarious, magical and memorable show like no other – the perfect family treat this summer!

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

Steve Royle’s Comedy Chaos For Kids Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August