Season Brochure | Mar-July 2013

THE GRAND Spring / Summer 2013

N C OW H SE O Y AT OS OU O E Y CA N O N LI U N R E!

WHAT’S ON GUIDE

THEATRE | BLACKPOOL

Business and The Arts We have an exciting range of opportunities for companies to get involved in our work, from entertaining clients in a private box, to advertising in our brochures and on our website, or sponsoring individual shows or seasons.

From corporate hospitality to high profile ways to promote your business, The Grand can help you deliver a star performance.

Sponsors Pleasure Beach Resort

I am delighted to continue the Pleasure Beach’s association with the Grand Theatre. As past Chairman of the Grand Theatre Trust, my father was instrumental in preserving this historic institution, ensuring that the arts could be enjoyed by future generations.

Amanda Thompson, Managing Director.

Natwest Commercial Banking

With over nineteen years involvement with The Grand, we recognise what an incredible contribution it makes to the cultural life of the area. Our commercial team regularly entertains guests at the huge variety of shows on offer.

Simon Smith, Commercial Manager

SystemHOST

SystemHOST has been associated with the Grand Theatre for the last 4 years. We are delighted to support their Creative Learning Programme, helping young people to experience the theatre through educational performances.

Phil Scanlon, Chief Executive

Daniel Thwaites plc

Daniel Thwaites have for many years supported The Grand and it’s programme and continue to do so for this year and next.

Mark Gebbhard, Sales Executive

Media Partners and Supporters

Welcoming and Friendly...

A word from our General Manager...

The Grand is delighted to announce that Arts Council England has invited us to make a final, detailed application for a £700,000 Capital Grant to develop vacant retail premises adjoining the theatre on Church Street. We propose to transform this three storey property into a vibrant Performing Arts Hub with a new box office, improved access to our studio theatre, and an exhibition space for our heritage collection.

The Grand Theatre is also proud to announce that it has been selected as one of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s national theatre partners to work with them on the Learning and Performance Network. Only four other theatres this year have been chosen nationally so we are thrilled to be part of this programme that builds on its successful engagement and creative learning programme. Over the next three years the Grand will host an RSC Young Persons Production, will be jointly producing a Shakespeare Festival and be involved with a teacher training programme for the teaching of Shakespeare. If you want to find out more about the programme please contact our Engagement and Learning manager, Celine Wyatt who is leading this programme.

It has been a hard year financially, but artistically we have had some excellent productions, and the forthcoming season and year is no exception.

Please also visit the new Stage Door Cafe Bar which will be open 7 days a week from 10.00am to 4.00pm and will offer a loyalty card.

I’m looking forward to you visiting the theatre throughout 2013. Thank you for your continued support

Neil Thomson Chief Executive & General Manager

For details contact Colin Johnston, Development Director Telephone 01253 74 32 60 email colinj@blackpoolgrand.co.uk

33 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HT. Administration: 01253 290111 or email admin@blackpoolgrand.co.uk.

Visit us online at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk Blackpool Grand Theatre (Arts & Entertainments) Ltd. - Registered Charity No. 1022754.

Blackpool Grand Theatre Trust Ltd. - Registered Charity No. 506601 © 2011/2012 The Grand Theatre Blackpool, All Rights Reserved.

THE GRAND THEATRE | BLACKPOOL Box Office | 01253 743343

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Wednesday 20 March at 7.30pm The fun-packed show features timeless classics from the great American song book – those wonderful songs that miraculously lifted people’s spirits during the depression era, and which made household names of singers such as Bing Crosby, Al Bowlly and Fred Astaire.The musicians master the arrangements and sound of the fabled American orchestras such as Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson, whilst also paying tribute to the great British dance Bands like Ray Noble or Ambrose.

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Tickets All Seats £16.00

Wednesday 13 - Sunday 17 March Wednesday 13 10.30am (Tudors), 1.30pm (Victorians) Thursday 14 1.30pm (Victorians), 7.00pm (Tudors) Friday 15 10.30am (Tudors), 7.00pm (Victorians) Saturday 16 2.30pm (Tudors), 7.00pm (Victorians) Sunday 17 11.00am (Tudors), 3.00pm (Victorians) We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead!

So it’s time to prepare yourselves for HORRIBLE HISTORIES live on stage!

Using actors and ground-breaking 3D special effects, these two astounding shows – TERRIBLE TUDORS and VILE VICTORIANS – are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips.

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Tickets Adults £14.50, Child £10.50 Schools £7.00 Book for both Horrible Histories (Tudors/Victorians max 4 tickets) shows save 20%.

Family of 4 £47.00 (t&c’s apply) Audio Described performances Sat 16 March: Terrible Tudors 2.30pm, Vile Victorians 7.00pm

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This production has been kindly supported by

Friday 22 March & Saturday 23 March Friday at 7.30pm Saturday at 2.30pm & 7.30pm Phil Winston’s Theatreworks proudly presents The Works.

Former Students have enjoyed successful careers in the following productions; West End Mamma Mia, Fame, Beauty and the Beast,We Will Rock You, Starlight Express, Dancing on Ice, Cats, Billy Elliot, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Chicago, Flashdance,Wicked, Disney Shows Worldwide, Moulin Rouge and Lido in Paris, Broadway plus various cruises around the world.

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Tickets Evening £18.50 Matinee £12.50 Concessions £2.00off

Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

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An intimate evening of music, including West End and Broadway songs from his stunning new album Hope, as well as some Marti favourites.

Tuesday 26 March at 12.00pm, 2.00pm and 4.00pm The Grand Theatre is delighted to announce the return of Northern Ballet with Ugly Duckling, their first ballet especially for children.

A poor duckling is lonely and fed-up, shunned by those around her who see her as too ugly to fit in. Follow the duckling on her journey as she overcomes her troubles and turns into a beautiful swan, beginning a happy new life.

Retelling the famous Hans Christian Anderson fairytale, Northern Ballet’s Ugly Duckling is the perfect opportunity to introduce your little ones to the magic of live ballet, music and theatre.

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Marti Pellow, multi-platinum selling solo artist and Wet Wet Wet front man makes his hotly anticipated return to the UK touring circuit to promote his eighth album Hope, a collection of some of the greatest and most inspiring songs in musical theatre.

As a solo-artist, and with Wet Wet Wet, Marti has had unrivalled chart success with over 25 hits and three of the UK’s biggest number one singles, including the seminal Love Is All Around. As well as a critically acclaimed solo career, Marti has gone on to star in the West End, on Broadway and on National UK Tours in the smash-hit stage musicals Blood Brothers, Chicago,The Witches of Eastwick, Jekyll and Hyde and The War of the Worlds.

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Tickets Adults £5.00 Child £4.00

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Wednesday 27 March at 7.30pm

Tickets £24.50, £26.50, £28.50, £32.50

Ask about our special Car Park Ticket at only £2.50

Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

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The Solid Silver 60s Show

Friday 29 March at 7.30pm They say that if you remember the 60s you weren’t there! Fill that gap in your memory with The Solid Silver 60s Show and relive the 60s with original artists singing their greatest hits!

Friends of The Grand

Now in its 28th year, the show features the unforgettable talents of Mike Pender the original voice of The Searchers, Dave Berry and Wayne Fontana, all backed

by New Amen Corner, and with special guests The Merseybeats.

If you love the theatre you’ll love the Friends of the Grand.

Whether you enjoy seeing shows or simply want to show your affection for the building, Friends of The Grand is the organisation for everyone who shares a passion for the Grand Theatre.

Tickets £22.50, £24.50, £26.50 Concessions £2.00off

Membership costs as little as £8.00 a year for students/seniors. Individual membership is £16.00 and Friend Plus is £32.00. As a Friend of The Grand you receive regular discounts on theatre tickets, offering theatre-goers substantial savings. A ‘Friend Plus’ extends the discount to include a guest.

Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown

Friends Update Last year’s ‘Big Raffle’ helped to raise over £7,500!

We have planned coach trips to Oldham Coliseum to see ‘Blonde Bombshells on the 24 April, and the Bolton Octagon on 15 May to see the hilarious ‘Stitched Up’. For more information please contact Margaret Sears on 01253 592773 Benefits include: • FREE exchanges on tickets (24hrs prior) • Ticket discounts • Local discounts • Newsletters and e-bulletins • Priority booking • Special events • Heritage Theatre Tours £8 (save £2) To purchase a one-year membership either for yourself or as a gift for others please visit www.friendsofthegrand.co.uk alternatively visit the Grand Theatre Box Office. To set up a recurring subscription by direct debit download a form from our website.

To join the Friends of The Grand call 01253 290190. For more information on events or volunteering call 01253 743300 alternatively email friends@blackpoolgrand.co.uk

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Ask about our new NightRover Public Transport Ticket at only £2.50

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Sat 30 March & Sun 5 May at 7.30pm Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown returns with his bluest show yet!

He’s still rude, he’s still crude and this time he’s turning headlines into punch lines as his rip-roaring brand of banter continues to burst bellies across the country. Chubby doesn’t hold back from sharing his outlandish views on news, women and gender, sailing so close to the mark, even the most seasoned of fans will be left gob-smacked!

Tickets All seats £17.50

Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

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A contemporary and stylish 4-star Hotel at Blackpool Pleasure Beach All 157 bedrooms are designed with wonderful fabrics from Designers Guild and offer luxurious en-suite bedrooms with complimentary WiFi internet access, flat screen televisions with inbuilt freeview, iron/ironing board, tea/coffee making facilities, telephone, hairdryer, heating control, electric shaver point, 24-hour room service, smoke alarms, duvets, power shower, key card access, an integrated air cooling system and DVD players that can also be used as a CD player.

Dining at the Big Blue hotel is an unforgettable experience whether it's a lazy cappuccino in the cafe bar or a delicious gourmet meal in Blues Bar and Brasserie. Children can create their own fresh pizzas while parents can choose from an extensive menu designed with a European feel using only fresh, local produce.

Visit our website for our best available rate and details of special offers and packages through the year.

Sunday 31 March at 3.00pm Come with Alice on a magical adventure as she tumbles into Wonderland!

Guided by the White Rabbit, Alice meets some astonishing characters, including the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, a studious caterpillar and those mischievous twins,Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

Basing his ballet on Lewis Carroll’s much-loved children’s books, Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, Ballet Theatre UK’s Artistic Director Christopher Moore has created a captivating piece, brimming with wit, humour and charm.With its whimsical flights of the imagination, eclectic music and joyful dance, Alice in Wonderland is delightful entertainment for all ages.

‘Critics Choice- Top Five companies touring the UK’ The Independent Glittering Costumes, expressive dancers… a pleasure to witness a production of this calibre’ Dance Europe Magazine

Reservations 0871 222 4000 reservations@bigbluehotel.com 9

Book online at www.bigbluehotel.com

Ask about our new NightRover Public Transport Ticket at only £2.50

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Tickets £14.00, £16.00, £18.00 Children £10.00 Concession £2.00off

Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

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Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 April Times Tuesday Evening 8.00pm Wednesday to Saturday Evenings 7.30pm Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday Matinees 2.30pm Carla Le Marchant has learnt a disturbing family secret: her mother, Caroline Crale, died in prison after being convicted for killing her father. Leaving an intriguing legacy in the form of a letter, Caroline professes her innocence and, believing this to be true; Carla becomes determined to clear her mother’s name. Enlisting the help of Justin Fogg; the son of her mother’s defence lawyer, Carla searches out all the players from her tragic history and brings them back to the scene of the crime to uncover the truth.

Opening Night Offer All Seats £20.00 Wednesday to Saturday Evenings £19.00, £21.00, £23.00, £25.00

Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday Matinees £17.00, £19.00, £21.00, £23.00 Suspects, secrets, and suspense abounds in this new production of Go Back for Murder starring Liza Goddard, star of such TV hits as Bergerac, Sophie Ward whose extensive TV and film career most recently includes the Groups award-winning BBC period drama series Land Girls and the 2011 film Jane Eyre, Robert Duncan who played Gus 10+ £3.00 off (top priced tickets Eves & Mats) Hedges in the multi award-winning comedy Drop the Dead Donkey, Gary Mavers, best known for playing 20+ £4.00 off (top priced tickets Eves & Mats) heart-throb doctor Andrew Attwood in Peak Practice, Lysette Anthony, known for starring in the BBC sitcom Three Up,Two Down and in Woody Allen’s award winning film Husbands and Wives and Ben Nealon, perhaps best Concessions loved for his role as Capt Jeremy Forsythe from the long running TV drama Soldier Soldier. £2.00off (excluding Opening Night & Gallery)

Ask about our special Car Park Ticket at only £2.50

Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

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Wednesday 10 - Saturday 13 April Wednesday - Saturday Evenings 7.30pm Thursday & Saturday Matinees 2.00pm The society that gave you Titanic the Musical, and in their 60th anniversary year, Blackpool Operatic Players are proud to present Calamity Jane. Western tomboy, “Calam’” dresses like a man, totes a gun and drives the Deadwood City stagecoach. Well-meaning, but disaster-prone, she tries to help the local saloon proprietor out of a jam by promising to fetch a music-hall star from Chicago. A hilarious comedy, it nevertheless has many tender moments and some very famous numbers, including “Secret Love”, “Black Hills of Dakota”, “Deadwood Stage” and “Windy City”. This non-professional production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd.

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Tickets Opening Night offer: all seats £13.00 Thursday, Friday, Saturday evenings: £13.00, £15.00, £16.00 Thursday & Saturday Matinees: all seats £13.00 Children 16 and under: £10.00 Groups: 1 Free ticket for every 10 sold.

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Ask about our new NightRover Public Transport Ticket at only £2.50

Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

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THE GRAND THEATRE | BLACKPOOL Box Office | 01253 743343

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KEN DODD

“Savage and elegant dance theatre”

Sunday 14 April at 7.00pm

The Guardian

Britain’s funniest comedian Ken Dodd OBE returns to Blackpool’s Grand Theatre to tickle audiences with the ‘longest stand up routine ever’. Oh yes, Doddy is back and ready to amaze audiences with hilarious joke-telling, boundless energy and non-stop entertainment all night long...literally!

‘Fast-moving, dramatic, performed with demonic energy and sly polish’ The Herald

An evening full of plumptiousness is promised from Professor Chucklebutty, who has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the prestigious British Comedy Awards and also features in the Guinness Book of Records for telling 1,500 jokes in three and a half hours.That’s more than seven jokes a minute!

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Tickets £18.00, £21.00

Sunday 21 April at 8.00pm Pestilence, decadence, grotesquery…

Saturday 20 April at 7.30pm In 1980 the Eagles took a “14 year vacation” and returned with the now classic album “Hell Freezes Over”. The Illegal Eagles, having no intention of taking any time off, are back this year with their “Heaven Heats Up” tour.

Bringing you all the classic songs Hotel California,The Last Resort, Life in the Fast Lane,Tequila Sunrise, One of These Nights, Lyin’ Eyes, New Kid in Town, Heartache Tonight “Accomplished & proficient players, and with a beautiful & pitch perfect singer, the band worked their way through all the crowd pleasers…”

The Independent

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Tickets All Seats £22.50 Concessions £2.00off

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The collaboration between acclaimed dancer David Hughes (choreography) and award-winning theatre-maker Al Seed (direction) is a contemporary and visually shocking interpretation of Edgar Allan Poe’s 19th century classic tale,The Masque of the Red Death.

Barricaded in his opulent abbey-mansion a prince entertains a party of debauched revellers whilst the world outside teeters on the brink of plague-ridden apocalypse. But, as long as the wine flows and the musicians play, what reason have they to care... ?

Capturing the underlying themes of mortality, hedonism, madness and the end of the world, the diverse company of performers weave a multitude of dance traditions - ballet, breakdance, contemporary dance, Bharatanatyam with high-octane physical theatre to create a truly macabre horror show for the stage.The company has since performed THE RED ROOM internationally, and will now visit Blackpool Grand to present a one-off UK performance for 2013.

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Tickets Adults: £10.00 Concessions: £7.00

Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

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THE GRAND THEATRE | BLACKPOOL Box Office | 01253 743343

Join Us Heritage Tours

Explore behind the scenes life of The Grand Theatre. Frank Matcham’s masterpiece.

• Discover the secrets of the great stage • Take in Blackpool’s hidden gem • Learn about flamboyant architect Frank Matcham • Explore the warren of staircases that lead to the stars’ dressing rooms

Dates: Tuesday 21 May, Thursday 27 June, Tuesday 9 July, Thursday 8 August

ACCESS Access for visually impaired patrons Registered assistance dogs are welcome. Please inform the Box Office of requirements at time of booking.

Audio described performances, including pre-show introduction and touch tours, are available at certain shows as advertised in our brochure and on our website at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk. Headsets can be booked for a refundable deposit of £5. Please contact the Box Office on 01253 290190 for further details.

Access for hearing impaired patrons The Grand Theatre, Blackpool has an induction loop.

Ask for information when making your booking, or one of our staff before the performance. Some performances are sign language interpreted and are advertised in our brochure and on our website. Please inform the Box Office at time of booking of your access issues.

Please consult the show pages to see information on access performances Please visit www.disabledgo.com for more useful information.

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Another brilliant comedy from the producers of Victoria Wood’s DINNERLADIES and BBC TV’s BIRDS OF A FEATHER with an all-star cast

ITV’s top comedy of all time, RISING DAMP, comes to the stage in a brand-new production from the Comedy Theatre Comapny, producers of the stage versions of Victoria Wood’s DINNERLADIES and BBC TV’s BIRDS OF A FEATHER. An unnamed northern university town is home to Rupert Rigsby, landlord of arguably the seediest, most run-down boarding house that England has to offer. His unlucky tenants include Ruth Jones, an administrator at the university;Alan, a medical student; and Philip, who is studying town and country planning. Between them, Alan and Philip are the focus and foil of the majority of Rigsby’s many prejudices, usually at the expense of his dignity and standing in the eyes of Miss Jones, with whom he is hopelessly and pathetically in love.

“The stage version of ITV’s best and certainly most highly respected sitcom to date, Rising Damp shines as a masterwork and is a real highlight. Writer Eric Chappell’s fabulous dialogue sparkles to this day. THere’s really not much more we can say - it’s just a fantastic night out all-round.” British Comedy Guide

More details will be posted soon! Keep an eye on the website Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

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Works by Jose Agudo, Richard Alston, Douglas Thorpe and Sharon Watson

Rising Damp?

“a troupe in fine form and attractive health.”

Sunday Times

Sunday 26 May at 7.30pm The internationally acclaimed ‘Shaolin Warriors’ are returning to the UK with a brand new show,“Return of the Master” before embarking on a world tour. This breathtaking theatrical Kung Fu Show continues the story of the warrior, and vividly depicts the rarely-seen Kung Fu masters’ feats of agility, strength and skill, using Buddhist Meditation and their rigorous martial arts training.

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Tickets £16.50, £18.50, £20.50, £22.50

Sunday 2 June at 7.30pm Sunday 19 May at 8.00pm Following 2012’s critically and publicly acclaimed Crossing Points, Phoenix Dance presents a brand new mixed programme featuring the world premieres of four exciting, diverse pieces of dance.

The fascinating, intricate world of DNA is placed under the microsope in Phoenix Artistic Director Sharon Watson’s Repetition of Change.

Douglas Thorpe’s Tender Crazy Love sees a couple pushed to the extremes of desire – where what pulls them together also threatens to tear them apart. One of the most inspiring and influential choreographers in British dance, Richard Alston’s All Alight features seven dancers in a lyrically beautiful new work – his first for Phoenix. Jose Agudo’s first work for Phoenix is a tale of one boy’s journey to become legend.

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Tickets Adults: £20.00 Children: £12.00 Groups: 10+ £15.00 School Groups: 10+ £10.00

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Las Vegas,1954. In a small hotel room the up-and-coming Tommy Cooper faces the prospect of his first big failure. With the show closing and a warring relationship with his manager, Tommy finds an offer on the table and a drink in his hand.

Powerful, provocative, painfully funny and true,This astonishing play finds both the brilliance in Britain’s most famous comic and explores the pressures and loneliness of fame.

The man who could make you laugh just by walking on to stage comes vividly alive in this confrontational new play.

Featuring Damian Williams, star of the stage shows Hi-De-Hi and Up Pompeii!

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Tickets All Seats £18.00 Concessions £16.00

Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

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Wednesday 29 May to Saturday 1 June Wednesday to Saturday Evenings at 7.30pm,Thursday and Saturday Matinees at 2.00pm The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical.When a postulant proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain, and they marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the Captain’s immediate service in their navy.The family’s narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre.

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Tickets Adults: £16.00, £18.00 Concessions: £15.00 Child: £12.00 Family of 4 Ticket: £45.00 (Min 1 adult, max 2 adults)

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Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

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Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th June Times: 2.30pm and 7.30pm The second year BA (Hons) Musical Theatre students present ‘Sweet Charity’. Charity Hope Valentine is an incurable optimist, who never tires on her endless search for true love.We are invited to share in Charity’s quest for love and the trials and tribulations she encounters on her journey for self-actualisation.

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Tickets Adults: £12.00 Students / Concessions: £9.00

Thursday 6 June at 1.30pm & 7.00pm “War is peace. Freedom is Slavery.

Ignorance is Strength” Winston Smith rewrites history for the Ministry of Truth, but when he’s handed a note that says simply ‘I love you’ by a woman he hardly knows, he decides to risk everything in a search for the real truth.

In a world where cheap entertainment keeps the proles ignorant but content, where war without end is always fought and the government is always watching, can Winston possibly hold onto what he feels inside? Or will he renounce everything, accept the Party’s reality and learn to love Big Brother?

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Tickets Adults: £15.00 Concessions: £12.50 Schools: £7.50

This production has been kindly supported by

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Saturday 8 June - Sunday 9 June Saturday at 1.00pm & 4.00pm Sunday at 10.00am & 1.00pm Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter on an enchanting journey through the Magical Kingdom.

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Tickets Adults: £11.50, £13.50 Under 16’s: £9.50, £11.50 Family of 4 Ticket: £45.00 (Min 1 adult, max 2 adults) Groups 10+: 10% off

Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

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THE GRAND THEATRE | BLACKPOOL Box Office | 01253 743343

REG D HUNTER In The Midst of Crackers Sunday 16 June at 8.00pm

Following two previous sell-out tours of the UK and the release of his debut stand up DVD, Reginald D Hunter Live, Reginald – who is a popular guest on many of the UK’s best-loved TV shows including Live At The Apollo and Have I Got News For You - will be setting out to tour the country again in 2013 with his own unique blend of humour in a brand new show, Reginald D Hunter – In The Midst Of Crackers.

“Reginald D Hunter joins the top rank of stand-up comedians working today...A comedian going for broke, flying in the face of received opinion in a way that is simply exhilarating...this is comedy of a rare scope” The Times

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Tickets All Seats £20.00

Sunday 30 June at 7.30pm Following a sold out tour in 2010 with Smooth Radio and standing ovations on their tour in 2012 Rainy Days & Mondays – The Carpenters Greatest Hits Live returns to the Blackpool Grand Theatre.

Visiting most of the major UK cities, the show features the stunning voice of Claire Furley backed by a band whose members have performed with Westlife,Amy Winehouse, Gloria Gaynor, Shirley Bassey,The Drifters, Marty Wilde, Kim Wilde,Tony Bennett,Vanessa Mae and Peter Andre, to name but a few.

Join us for more than two hours of Carpenters classics including (They Long to Be) Close to You, Superstar,Ticket to Ride, Solitaire, Jambalaya (On the Bayou), many, many more.

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Tickets £15.50, £18.50, £20.00

Au Revoir Review Monday 1 - Wednesday 3 July Time 7.00pm

Sunday 23 June at 7.30pm When Mike Oldfield released his 1973 masterpiece, Tubular Bells, it required more than 30 musicians to perform it. Now, 40 years on, performed by just two massively talented musicians, this thrilling show recreates the album on stage, in real time in a unique and compelling theatrical experience.

“Two man orchestra bring soundtrack of 70s back to life... an intensely focused race around every twist and turn of Oldfield’s quirky masterwork” The Times

As a development of the unique strategic partnership between Blackpool’s Children’s Services Authority and The Grand Theatre, the Au Revoir Review offers a magical opportunity for Year 6 children in Blackpool primary schools to mark the completion of their primary education with a performance on the Grand Theatre stage. Over the three evenings Year 6 children from across the town will showcase and celebrate their talents and achievements and bid a fond farewell to the schools that have given them their foundations for life.

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Tickets All Seats £22.50

Tickets All Seats £5.00

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Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

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THE GRAND THEATRE | BLACKPOOL Box Office | 01253 743343

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ENGAGEMENT & LEARNING

The Grand Theatre offers a combination of schools workshops, page-to-stage mornings, and teacher training days, linked to our shows*.

Our new primary and secondary schools newsletters are also available online. To book workshops, teacher training days or page-to-stage please contact Celine Wyatt, Engagement and Learning Manager; celinew@blackpoolgrand.co.uk. To book the show tickets please contact Box Office on 01253 743343 blackpoolgrand.co.uk/discover/creative-learning Supporters of Creative Learning

Special thanks must go to Blackpool Council, Arts Council England and SystemHOST for the valuable contribution to our Engagement and Learning programme of events. Bringing the Arts to many who would have otherwise missed the experience.

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Friday 5 July at 8.00pm Take five Northern blokes, dress them in flat caps, get them to sing folk songs about the wonders of modern day life and you have the recipe for fun that is The Lancashire Hotpots.

Since forming in 2007, The Lancashire Hotpots have become local heroes touring with Paddy McGuinness, playing Glastonbury Festival twice and playing live studio sessions at BBC 6Music for avid Hotpots fan Steve Lamacq. The band have had real ales named after them and have firmly reinstated the conga as an essential part of everybody’s good night out!

With rousing anthems such as ‘Chippy Tea’,‘He’s turned Emo’ and ‘I fear Ikea’ the Hotpots are a fun filled rollercoaster of musical comedy singing the praises of ale, chips and having a great time. “the Spinal Tap of folk bands” Paddy McGuinness “Masters of parody” The Guardian

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Tickets All seats £14.00

Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

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The Drifters

60th Anniversary Diamond Dynasty Tour

Saturday 6 July at 7.30pm

2013 marks the 60th Anniversary of The Drifters and to celebrate this incredible achievement we will be producing our most spectacular show to date as we present ‘The Diamond Dynasty Tour’, featuring the current line up Pierre Herelle, Michael Williams, Ryan King and Carlton Powell who received Gold Disks from Sony for the first new recordings in over 30 years in 2012!

This amazing Show will visit theatres nationwide during 2013. Including songs such as ‘Under The Boardwalk’, ‘Saturday Night At The Movies’,‘Up On The Roof’, ‘Kissin In The Back Row’, ‘Come On Over To My Place’,‘and many more from The Drifters vast back catalogue,“The Diamond Dynasty Tour” promises to be our best yet!

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Tickets All seats £25.00

Friday 19 & Saturday 20 July Friday at 7.30pm Saturday at 2.30pm & 7.30pm Phil Winston’s Theatreworks proudly presents The Works.

Former Students have enjoyed successful careers in the following productions; West End Mamma Mia, Fame, Beauty and the Beast,We Will Rock You, Starlight Express, Dancing on Ice, Cats, Billy Elliot, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Chicago, Flashdance,Wicked, Disney Shows Worldwide, Moulin Rouge and Lido in Paris, Broadway plus various cruises around the world.

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Tickets: Evening £18.50 Matinee £12.50 Concessions £2.00off

9

Ask about our new NightRover Public Transport Ticket at only £2.50

Booking

Fees

BOOKING INFORMATION

THE GRAND THEATRE | BLACKPOOL Box Office | 01253 743343

For the fastest way to book you can now choose your own seat online at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

The Grand Theatre has an ‘open’ policy regarding the fees that it charges and what they are for.

All shows can be booked in person at The Grand or by calling 01253 743340.

New Booking Fees Online Booking £1.00 per ticket

By Phone £1.50 per ticket In Person: Payment by Cash: FREE Payment by Debit Card: FREE Payment by Credit Card: £1.50 per transaction Postage of tickets to you £1.00

Discounts & Offers Concessions Reductions are available for full-time students, under18s, benefit claimants and the over 60s. Only one conc. applies per ticket. Photo and DOB ID is required when requesting.

They must be requested at time of booking.

Discounts All relevant original vouchers (photocopies not accepted) must be presented at time of booking, discounts may not be applied to tickets already purchased. Discounts may occur at any time prior to the production.

Family Tickets On selected shows, family tickets are available at a reduced price for groups of four (Maximum of two adults).

Group Bookings Groups line 01253 743232.

Group ticket prices are listed in the brochure for selected performances. Where no group price is shown, the standard concession applies. Ask for our full ‘Group & School T&C’.

Schools & Colleges In addition to the Groups information above, a maximum of one free teacher ticket for every 10 child tickets purchased is available on any school or college booking.

Gift Vouchers & Theatre Tokens Available by contacting 01253 743340 or in person at the box office. If you wish your purchase posting, a guaranteed delivery and insured postage charge will apply.

For more information visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk

Exchanges & Resales The exchange of tickets to a different performance of the same show is subject to a charge of £1.50 per ticket. If you are unable to attend a performance for which you have booked, the box office will attempt to re-sell your tickets, although the selling of any unsold seats must take priority.

There is a service charge of £1 for each ticket re-sold.

Exchanges are free of charge to Friends of The Grand (24hrs prior). Refunds cannot be made on tickets. Fees can be changed at any time.

Babes in arms

For selected shows, babies and children under 2 are welcome free if they share a seat with you (you will still require a ticket for them). Baby changing facilities located in the stalls disabled and female toilets.

Data protection

The Grand Theatre, Blackpool operates a box office service on behalf of venues and events in Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde as well as its own operation. We would like to add or retain your details for speed of booking and for our marketing department so we can keep you aware of events and other developments. To be removed from our database contact the box office in the first instance.

Late arrival

Unfortunately, for the comfort of others watching the show, latecomers will be seated at a suitable point in the show (often the interval). This is for health and safety reasons due to the darkness of the auditorium.

THE GRAND THEATRE | BLACKPOOL Box Office | 01253 743343

THE GRAND THEATRE | BLACKPOOL choose your seat online | blackpoolgrand.co.uk

The I’ll Be There Tour 2013 Sunday 25 August at 7.30pm The all-new show for 2013, packed with 36 back-to-back massive Motown hits.

Five-star performances authentically revive the style and sophistication of the Temptations, Supremes, Four Tops, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and more.

Starring dazzling dance moves, glittering costumes and the incredible Magic of Motown band.

Let it fill your heart with joy and laughter, togetherness is what it’s after. Just call it’s name. . . the Magic of Motown will be there.

Sunday 28 July at 7.30pm An Evening of Dirty Dancing is the box office smash hit tribute to one of the greatest movie soundtracks of all time and has been wowing audiences all over since 2010. A cast of dynamic West End performers sure to show you the time of your life.

Please note this show is not affiliated with Dirty Dancing The Classic Story on Stage.

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Tickets All Seats £25.00 Concessions £2.00off

Tickets All Seats £19.00 Concessions £17.00

Cissie and Ada

An Hysterical Rectomy by Graham Warrener Monday 15 & Tuesday 16 July at 7.30pm

Joe Pasquale Summer 2013 Tour

Sunday 11 August at 7.30pm

Cissie and Ada, the immortal comic characters created by the late, great Les Dawson and his long-suffering sidekick, Roy Barraclough, grace the theatre stage for the first time in this hilarious new play. Cissie and Ada revisits the story and the culture behind the side-splitting sketches and that of BBC Light Entertainment in the 80’s.

Two former Coronation Street favourites Eric Potts (Diggory) and Steven Arnold (Ashley) join Steve Nallon (famous for his Mrs Thatcher impersonation on seminal satirical TV show Spitting Image) and actress Natasha Magigi are directed by John Jackson Almond.

Direct from his unique performance on Dancing On Ice, Joe is back, where you can watch him pirouette through puns, leap through laughs, slide into songs, then gasp at his amazing double gusset, see his skates, and other favourite fish...You won’t get a frosty reception, and that’s snow joke (see what I did there?). Book early for a fun filled night!

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Tickets £12.50, £15.00 Concesions £2.00off

Tickets All Seats £19.00

Ask about our special Car Park Ticket at only £2.50

Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

10

THE GRAND THEATRE | BLACKPOOL Box Office | 01253 743343

THE GRAND THEATRE | BLACKPOOL choose your seat online | blackpoolgrand.co.uk

Monday 16 - Saturday 21 September Times Monday to Saturday Evenings 7.30pm Wednesday and Saturday matinees 2.30pm

The Great Showman Returns.

Magic. Love. Drama. Spectacle Backstage at the abandoned Princess Theatre, October 1926; a select few are assembled with a spiritual medium at the final séance held to recall Houdini’s spirit, 10 years after his death.

This time however,Theodore Houdini will tell his side of the story.

A story not for the faint-hearted.

Prepare to witness the unforgettable life story of Harry Houdini.

Prepare to believe.

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Tickets EARLY BIRD OFFER! Book before 31 May Tickets:Adults £20.00, Children £10.00 Evenings: £12.00, £18.00, £20.00, £24.00 Matinees: £10.00, £15.00, £18.00, £21.00 Child: £12.00/£10.00 Groups: 20+ £3.00 off, 50+ £4.00 off Friends of The Grand: £4.00 off top ticket price

Ask about our special Car Park Ticket at only £2.50

Tuesday 15 - Saturday 19 October Times Monday Evening 8.00pm Tuesday to Thursday Evenings 7.30pm Friday Matinee 5.00pm Evening 8.30pm Saturday Matinee 4.00pm Evening 8.00pm THRILLER LIVE is a spectacular concert created to celebrate the career of the world’s greatest entertainer. Moonwalking its way around the world, award-winning director Gary Lloyd’s THRILLER LIVE brings to life the sensational dancing and distinctive sound of Michael and the Jackson 5.

In a career spanning 40 years, Michael Jackson sold an unparalleled 750 million records worldwide with the Thriller album still the world’s best-selling recording of all time. His music continues to sell in its millions, winning new fans young and old alike.

Expect your favourite Jackson songs delivered by an exceptionally talented cast and live band, including the smash hits: I Want You Back, ABC, Can You Feel It, Off The Wall, ,The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana,Thriller plus many more!

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Tickets Monday Evening and Friday Matinee £18.50, £20.50, £22.50, £24.50 Tuesday to Thursday Evenings and Saturday Matinee £19.50, £22.50, £24.50, £26.50 Friday and Saturday Evenings £20.50, £24.50, £26.50, £28.50 Groups 20+ £3.00 off, 50+ £4.00 off Friends of The Grand £4.00 off top priced tickets Monday Eve & Friday Mat

Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

THE GRAND THEATRE | BLACKPOOL Box Office | 01253 743343

THE GRAND THEATRE | BLACKPOOL choose your seat online | blackpoolgrand.co.uk “A hearty thigh slapping extravaganza” Mail on Sunday

PAUL NICHOLAS

GEORGE CRITCHLEY present

PETER FROSDICK

Monday 11 - Saturday 16 November Times Monday 8.00pm Tuesday - Saturday Evenings 7.30pm Thursday & Saturday Matinees 2.30pm A sensational brand new hi-tech production with colourful costumes, fabulous sets, special effects, and sassy high energy performances!

Friday 1 & Saturday 2 November at 7.30pm Bill Bailey had Doubts about the modern world, but these have now grown into Qualms. He will be channeling these feelings of Unease and Apprehension, with the help of Religious Dubstep, his folk bouzouki, Horntallica, a re-appraisal of some of the world’s greatest works of art and perhaps a dub version of Downton Abbey.

He looks at the Consequences of Lies, the Unending Search for the Higgs and the Hiding Skills of Dentists. Bill tries to confront his Cluster-Qualm of living in a Time of Spectacular Ignorance, Nuclear Worry, Rare Planetary Alignment and Spice Girl reunions that may be part of the Mayan End of Days prophecy. Come savour this Broth of Anxiety with Bill Bailey – Qualmpeddler.

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Tickets All Seats £25.00

9

Ask about our special Car Park Ticket at only £2.50

Set in Oregon in 1850 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is the story of Adam, the eldest of seven brothers,who goes to town to get a wife. He convinces Milly to marry him that same day. They return to his backwoods home. Only then does she discover he has six brothers — all living in his cabin. Milly sets out to reform the uncouth siblings, who are anxious to get wives of their own. Then, after reading about the Roman capture of the Sabine women, Adam develops an inspired solution to his brothers’ loneliness . . .kidnap the women they want!

It’s toe-tapping good!

Directed and Choreographed by US award winning Patti Colombo.

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Tickets Opening Night Offer All Seats £26.00 (Excl. Gallery) Evenings £19.00, £26.00, £28.00, £30.00 Matinees £17.00, £24.00, £26.00, £28.00 Children £12.50 all performances Concessions £2.00off Groups 20+ £4.00off, 50+ £5.00off Friends of The Grand £4.00 off top ticket pricing (Monday night only) This production has been kindly supported by

Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

THE GRAND THEATRE | BLACKPOOL Box Office | 01253 743343

THE GRAND THEATRE | BLACKPOOL choose your seat online | blackpoolgrand.co.uk

Wednesday 18th December at 8.00pm Poulton-le-Fylde Band returns to Blackpool’s Grand Theatre with the heart-warming ‘Grand’ Christmas Concert with Carols - a fabulous festive treat for all the family.

Poulton-le-Fylde Band, under the musical director John Wood, alongside host Father Geoff Bottoms will celebrate the festive season in rousing style with the yearly ‘Grand’ Christmas Concert with Carols.

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Tickets All Seats £13.00

Monday 25 - Saturday 30 November 2013

Times Monday Evening 8.00pm,Tuesday to Saturday Evenings 7.30pm Thursday and Saturday Matinees 2.00pm A classic.A landmark.A legend.

The Mousetrap is famous around the world for being the longest running show of any kind in the history of British theatre - with over 25,000 performances it’s a play to be proud of. To celebrate 60 incredible years on stage, it’s going on tour for the first time, with a star cast to give you a once in a life-time opportunity to see this masterpiece here at the Grand Theatre.

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Tickets Monday to Thursday Evenings £16.00, £23.00, £25.00, £27.00 Friday and Saturday Evenings £18.00, £25.00, £27.00, £30.00 Thursday and Saturday Matinees £14.00, £19.00, £21.00, £23.00 Schools £12.00 per student Groups 20+ £3.00 off top ticket price, 50+ £4.00 off top ticket price

This production has been kindly supported by

Ask about our special Car Park Ticket at only £2.50

Find out more online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gettous

THE GRAND THEATRE | BLACKPOOL

WHAT’S ON Wednesday 13 - Saturday 17 Wednesday 20 Friday 22 - Saturday 23 Tuesday 26 Wednesday 27 Friday 29 Saturday 30 Sunday 31

April

Tuesday 2 - Saturday 6 Wednesday 11 - Saturday 13 Sunday 14 Saturday 20 Sunday 21

May

Sunday 5 Tuesday14 - Saturday 18 Sunday 19 Sunday 26 Wed 29 - Saturday 1 June

June

Sunday 2 Monday 3 - Wednesday 5 Thursday 6 Saturday 8 - Sunday 9 Sunday 16 Sunday 23 Sunday 30

July

Monday1 - Wednesday 3 Friday 5 Saturday 6 Friday 19 - Saturday 20

Horrible Histories Vile Victorians & Terrible Tudors Pasadena Roof Orchestra The Works Ugly Duckling Marti Pellow Solid Silver 60s Show Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown Alice In Wonderland Go Back For Murder Calamity Jane Ken Dodd Illegal Eagles David Hughes Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown Rising Damp Particle Velocity Shaolin Warriors Sound of Music Being Tommy Cooper Sweet Charity 1984 Ben & Holly Reg D Hunter Tubular Bells ‘For Two’ Rainy Days and Mondays Au Revoir Review Lancashire Hotpots The Drifters The Works

Go directly online scan our QR code

brochure design joseph bottomley | front cover photo-genics.com | back cover phil harrison

MARCH

THE GRAND THEATRE | BLACKPOOL online www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk | box office 01253 743340 | facebook.com/blackpoolgrand All information is accurate at time of going to print.

The Grand Theatre reserves the right to make alterations if necessary. Always visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk.