THE GRAND THEATRE | Blackpool

The Grand celebrates and remembers the Dolly Sisters

2012-01-20T13:00:00.000-08:00

A new seat plaque was put in place on Saturday 7th January. Donated in memory of Rosalie Crawford and Dorothy Grogan and dedicated to "The Dolly Sisters" the seat’s donors Annette and Claire Grogan, the daughters of Dorothy Grogan, together with their spouses were invited by the Theatre’s administrator, Robert Kearton, to visit the Grand and see the new plaque which has been placed on seat A3. Annette explained that her aunt Rosalie (Rosy) had been a regular visitor to the Grand and a search of the patron’s database showed that she had a preference for the front stalls. It was this which lead them to choose the front row seat. However there was speculation that Rosy and her sister Dorothy would have been looking down on the occasion and commenting that it was too close to the front.

Their visit coincided with that of the Russian State Ballet who graciously permitted access to the auditorium during rehearsal for the matinee performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Annette’s sister Claire recalled how she herself had appeared on the stage alongside Peter Vaughan, Stephanie Turner and Trevor Bannister in a production of Hobson's Choice, a fact which had not escaped the attention of the theatre’s management, “thanks to the dedication of our theatre archivists, Geoff and Linda Tolson, we were able to get hold of an original copy of the programme.” said Mr Kearton. “For them to be able to locate this one surviving copy from all the many records which are in their care is a real testament to their abilities and the theatre is fortunate to have them taking care of the collection.”

Though no longer a performer, Claire is still very much involved in the theatrical world as a photographer creating casting headshots. Originally from Blackpool she is now based in London and her photographic subjects have included Shobna Gulati and the Fylde coast’s own Stephen Tompkinson. Her sister, Annette, was the one who first came up with the notion of dedicating a seat at the Grand to the memory their mother andaunt.

The original seat donors helped to raise money to fund the purchase of new carpets and seats and the donation from Annette and Claire will be used to finance future conservation and development work at the theatre. Before they left there was just time to enjoy a drink in the theatre’s Matcham’s bar and drink a toast to the memory of Rosy whose legacy had allowed for the dedication of their special seat. The group rounded off their visit to Blackpool by returning to enjoy the matinee performance of Swan Lake on the Sunday.

Unique to Showzam : Meet the Artists

2012-01-19T04:59:00.000-08:00

1927 fuse, merge and mix creative mediums to create a unique performance style. To discuss the complete integration of artistic disciplines, that has paved the way for 1927 to create their unique, innovative and highly original work join Writer, Performer & Director Suzanne Andrade and Animator & Illustrator Paul Barritt from 1927 on stage with Professor Vanessa Toulmin, creative programmer for Showzam for an informal and informative after show discussion in the Grand Theatre.

We're 'feeling good' about our incredible new 2012 season!

2012-01-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

The Grand Theatre has announced a stunning programme of productions from January through to September 2012!

The beautiful Grand Theatre offers Blackpool and Fylde Coast residents and visitors a packed year-round programme of quality productions from opera, ballet, plays, comedies, musicals, contemporary drama and dance to fun children’s shows! There is something for everyone at the Grand.

The season opens this week with PW Productions’ An Inspector Calls, The National Theatre production of JB Priestley’s classic thriller from Tuesday 10th January to Saturday 14th January. This is followed in March by English Touring Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe’s production of Anne Boleyn. The Grand is proud and delighted to be hosting the only North West date of this acclaimed production from Tuesday 27th to Saturday 31st March.

Neil Thomson, the Grand Theatre’s General Manager, said, “The Grand Theatre’s quality programming continues into 2012 and beyond. We start the year with PW Productions’ An Inspector Calls, the National Theatre production of JB Priestley’s classic thriller, and welcome English Touring Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe Production of Anne Boleyn, the only North West date of this production. The Touring Consortium return in April thanks to the continued support of SystemHost with Diary of Anne Frank. Their relationship with the theatre will continue into the future and has encouraged other acclaimed companies to visit, including The Children’s Touring Partnership and the return, later in the year, of The National Theatre.

“Musicals are one of our most supported genres and we are delighted to announce some fantastic ones this season. Dreamboats and Petticoats comes to us direct from the West End in January while later in the year we have an action packed adventure, Swallows and Amazons and The Grand will play host to an all new production of Hair!

“After a hugely successful pantomime season with Vicky Entwistle by producer UK Productions we are delighted to have the Tony award-winning musical 42nd Street from the same company.

“The interest we are currently experiencing has encouraged us to further programme high quality product for the future, including a visit from The National Theatre in November 2012.”

Marketing Manager Andrew Howard added “The Grand Theatre is investing in quality productions in all genres Dance to Drama, Musicals to Magic, we are covering it all. I think 2012 is going to be a very exciting year for The Grand; some of the best touring productions have been programmed to appear. I hope everyone will make a New Year resolution to try something new at The Grand.”

Last year The Grand was pleased to join The Touring Consortium, and the 2012 Touring Consortium and York Theatre Royal production, Diary of Anne Frank, will be at the theatre from Monday 16th to Saturday 21st April.

Starring Christopher Timothy as Otto Frank this beautifully tender and powerful account of hope, courage, survival and loss marks the 60th anniversary of the diary’s publication in English. Diary of Anne Frank is an extraordinary personal tale of hope, courage and survival that has united and touched people all over the world.

Allan Bennett has a very unusual neighbor. Parked at the bottom of his garden is a van. With a lady living in it. Hull Truck presents The Lady in the Van, by one of the nation’s favourite playwrights, Alan Bennett. Starring Nicola McAuliffe (Surgical Spirit), The Lady in the Van is at The Grand from Tuesday 15th to Saturday 19th May.

The award-winning 2Faced Dance present In The Dust a triple bill of darkly explosive new work on Sunday 3rd June. In The Dust showcases the versatility, skill and unique style of this outstanding company and the work of choreographers Tom Dale, Place Prize nominee Freddie Oppiku-Addaie and 2Faced artistic director Tamsin Fitzgerald.

Musicals are always enjoyed by Grand Theatre audiences and this season we have some classics!

Direct from the West End, Dreamboats and Petticoats, featuring some of the greatest hits of the Rock ‘n’ Roll era jives into the theatre Monday 23rd to Saturday 28th January.

Blackpool Operatic Players will return with the Tony Award winning Titanic the Musical from Wednesday 11th to Saturday 14th April, 100 years after the liner sank on her maiden voyage. We are also delighted to announce that an action packed musical adventure, Swallows and Amazons, will be sailing into The Grand on Tuesday 8th May to Saturday 12th May. Follow Captain John and his able crew as they set sail to Wildcat Island for exotic adventures encountering savages, dastardly pirates and much more!

Presented by the company behind last year’s hit Billy Elliot, West Side Story, set in post 9/11 New York, is at the theatre from Tuesday 5th to Saturday 9th June. Save the Last Dance For Me, from the team behind Dreamboats and Petticoats, takes you back to the ‘music and magic’ of the early 60’s from Monday 18th to Saturday 23rd June.

West End star and Pop Idol finalist, Gareth Gates stars in an all new production of the legendary musical, HAIR! Fresh from a sell-out European arena tour this unforgettable spectacular captures the mood of 1960’s New York at The Grand from Monday 2nd to Saturday 7th July. HAIR! also stars fellow Pop Idol Zoe Birkett (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Thriller-Live) and Amy Diamond (Over the Rainbow).

Come and meet those dancing feet! The Tony Award winner for Best Musical Revival, 42nd Street will be dancing into The Grand from Tuesday 24th to Saturday 28th July. Starring West End and Broadway star Dave Willetts, and directed by Broadway director Mark Bramble the show features the stunning sets and costumes from the US production.

In November, Beverley Callard (Coronation Street) in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. Featuring songs from the world’s most iconic divas; Marilyn Monroe, Shirley Bassey; Judy Garland and many more this heartwarming northern fairytale is at the theatre from Monday 19th to Saturday 24th November.

Ahoy there me Hearties! All the family can enjoy theatre with a host of children’s productions including Peppa Pig and her friends. They’re going on a treasure hunt and need your help! Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt visits the theatre on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd January; Fireman Sam, the brave and friendly hero next door is back on Sunday 19th February. Horse + Bamboo present a gorgeously rendered re-telling of the classic girl-and-the-wolf tale with Red Riding Hood on Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th March.

Scamp Theatre (Friend Or Foe, Private Peaceful) return to The Grand with Tiddler and other Terrific Tales on Tuesday 3rd April. This brand new show is adapted from the best-selling books by Children’s Laureate Julie Davidson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

If you like comedy how about Russell Kane, who brings Manscaping to the theatre on Sunday 26th February. Paul Merton returns to his stand-up roots for the first time this century on Sunday 25th March with Out of My Head. Away from the Have I Got News For You desk Paul Merton proves he’s got legs. You’ll be laughing so hard, you’ll be wiping tears away from your eyes all night!

Roy Chubby Brown is back in town! Laugh ‘til it hurts as he rips into his live audience on Friday 6th April. Be warned though, if easily offended please stay away – strictly for over 18s only!

The longest stand up comedy routine ever returns to The Grand after a sell out 2011 season. Ken Dodd is now in his 54th year of playing to Blackpool crowds and after his 5th May show will return for Illumination Sundays (dates to be confirmed).

After a fantastic, record-breaking 2011, Summer Season 2012 is proving to be a real extravaganza! Every Monday, from 30th July to 3rd September, The Chuckle Brothers will be appearing in The Return of Pirates of River Rother 2: In Stranger Tights. Don’t miss this spectacular pirate adventure, magic mystery and mayhem are guaranteed!

Billy is back! Billy Pearce returns to The Grand’s stage after a 2011 season which saw him break box office records and celebrate his 1000th appearance at the theatre. See the lovable Yorkshire comic every Tuesday in the Billy Pearce Laughter Show from 31st July to 30th October.

Returning by popular demand, Dancing Queen will have you dancing in the aisles again every Wednesday from 1st August to 31st October.

Joe Longthorne and Roy Walker, along with special guests, will be appearing in Blackpool’s Summer Season Spectacular! every Thursday. See the legendary entertainer performing alongside the stand-up star from 2nd August to 1st November.

Comedy favourites Cannon & Ball appear at The Grand in The Cannon & Ball Show. See the hilarious duo every Friday from 3rd August to 2nd November.

Ballet returns this season with the Russian Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia from Sunday 18th to Monday 19th March with Sleeping Beauty (Sunday) and Giselle (Monday). Book now – tickets for these performances sell very quickly!

On Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th February Opera della Luna bring their modern, stylish and funny production of The Merry Widow to The Grand. Derek Block and Blackburn International present Ellen Kent’s Production of La Bohème on Tuesday 6th March.

On a more light-hearted note, Eve Ensler’s hilarious Broadway and West End smash hit, The Vagina Monologues, is back! Starring Anne Charleston (Neighbours, Emmerdale), Mel Giedroyc (The Great British Bakeoff) and Hayley Tamaddon (Dancing on Ice) this witty and moving show is here on Saturday 18th February.

The course of true love never did run smooth in All the Single Ladies. Starring Men Behaving Badly’s Leslie Ash and Brooke Kinsella (EastEnders) this will be a wonderful, feel good evening – with a marathon punch! At The Grand from Thursday 1st March to Saturday 3rd March.

One actor, one city, forty characters – laughter and tears! Fresh from ecstatic reviews and a huge word of mouth following Paul Duckworth is back at The Grand with Beating Berlusconi on Sunday 4th March.

The girls are back! One of BBC television’s most popular and fondly remembered sitcoms comes to the stage with all three of its original cast members, Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph. Birds of a Feather is at The Grand from Tuesday 24th to Saturday 28th April. This is a rare chance to see the original cast re-united on stage for the very first time.

Fresh from playing the Wicked Queen in 2011’s record-breaking pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Vicky Entwistle is swapping boo’s for laughter in Mike Stott’s multi-award winning comedy classic Funny Peculiar. Starring alongside her Coronation Street co-star, Craig Gazey with soap favourites Gemma Bissix (EastEnders, Hollyoaks) and Stephen Blakeley (Heartbeat) Vicky returns to The Grand in this uproariously funny Bill Kenwright production on Monday 28th May until Saturday 2nd June.

Showzam! is back from 10th to 19th February. Circus Shorts, a two day ‘festival within a festival’, takes place Wednesday 15th to Thursday 16th February. Hand-picked by Professor Vanessa Toulmin the show highlights the very best in modern circus acts.

On Christmas Eve, in 1899, under the watchful eyes of a packed house in a local music hall, the impossible happened! Star of Wonder features international magician Paul Dabek and is in the Lawrence House Studio Tuesday 14th February to Thursday 16th February. Friday 17th February sees Ida Barr’s Variety Parade take to the stage. A full announcement of our week’s presentations will be coming soon.

Talented local dancers also take to the stage throughout the season with World At Your Feet Diamond Show, celebrating 60 years of Blackpool’s Whittaker Dance and Drama Centre from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th February and Phil Winston’s Theatreworks presenting The Works from Friday 16th to Saturday 17th March and Friday 13th to Saturday 14th July.

The Grand Theatre’s commitment to Education continues, and in partnership with Blackpool Schools and Blackpool Council’s Music Service, we are delighted to present Schools Alive 2012 returning from Monday 30th January to Friday 3rd February. Once again there will be three magical evenings of entertainment celebrating the achievements of children in their last year at primary school. Au Revoir Review ’12 takes place from Monday 9th to Wednesday 11th July.

Other great shows include impresario and music hall authority Duggie Chapman who gives a fascinating talk on the stars from the 40s and 50s in Thanks For The Memory on Thursday 19th January and Wednesday 8th February will see Colin Fry bringing his own unique style of comfort and upliftment to ordinary people.

Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird is not only one of the world’s most famous and best loved cricket umpires, but he is also one of the most entertaining public speakers of our time. Join Dickie, on Friday 9th March, for an evening full of anecdotes about the game he loves so much. Thursday 3rd May sees the return of Sally Morgan with Psychic Sally on the Road.

The Kings of Swing bring their big band sound to the theatre on Saturday 10th March. Come along and celebrate the hits of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole and many more!

Premier rock ‘n’ roll legend Joe Brown brings his eclectic, sensational show to The Grand on Friday 23rd March while 80s Mania takes over the theatre on Thursday 5th April. 80s dress is positively encouraged!

Music continues to take centre stage with Rainy Days and Mondays: The Carpenters Story, a celebration of the music of Richard and Karen Carpenter, on Saturday 7th April and Feast of Fiddles, a musical extravaganza like no other, arrives at The Grand on Sunday 8th April. The Solid Silver 60s Show is back on Sunday 15th April featuring the unforgettable talents of Peter Noone, Chris Montez, Brian Heyland, special guest Brian Poole and Vanity Fare. The fantastic The Lancashire Hotpots will be tearing the house down on Friday 4th May.

Enjoy the Magic of Motown, direct from the States, on Sunday 6th May and prepare to sing and dance in the aisles when Sing-a-long-a Grease arrives at the theatre on Sunday 27th May. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and audience participation is essential! Back on the road for 2012 The Drifters will be performing classic hits, and superb new material, on Sunday 1st July.

The Grand Youth Theatre Company’s (GYTC) performance of Punk Rock takes place on Sunday 15th July. This emotional and raw production can be seen on the main stage prior to performances at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The GYTC’s production of Prince of Denmark runs from Wednesday 29th February to Friday 2nd March in the Lawrence House Studio. Produced as part of the National Theatre’s Connections programme, this ‘prequel’ to Shakespeare’s Hamlet is not to be missed.

The Lawrence House Studio is also full of fantastic shows this season. Following the success of last year’s Gaz Jenkins and Friends, Red2 Theatre Company return on Sunday 26th February with LOVE/LIFE. A special production for all the romantics out there!

What links Stephen Hawking, cardboard tube fights and Shane MacGowan? Find out when Laurence Clark embarks on a one man mission to sell the benefits of free healthcare to America on Friday 20th April.

We're 'feeling good' about our new season...

Can you help Peppa find the treasure?!

2012-01-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

Following the incredible, sell-out success of Peppa Pig’s Party, Peppa is back with a brand new adventure in Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt.

Peppa, George, Suzy Sheep and Danny Dog are up to fun and games on a day out on Grandad Dog’s boat. There are clues aplenty as Pedro Pony, Polly Parrot and Zoe Zebra help them find their treasure as they all enjoy a day of adventure. Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt features true-to-life puppets, perfect sing-along songs and a new story that will charm and delight all her fans. Full sail! Ahoy!

Peppa Pig is a playful little piggy who lives with her little brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Through everyday adventures she plays games, makes new friends and enjoys her absolute favourite activity – jumping up and down in muddy puddles! Her adventures always end happily with loud snorts of laughter - “Hee hee ha hoo! Grunt”
The BAFTA award-winning children's TV show is recreated live on stage featuring beautifully true-to-life puppets with visible puppeteers from the producers of the smash-hit children’s shows LazyTown Live! and Roald Dahl’s The BFG.

Peppa Pig’s Party set the bar for children’s shows and was one of the top-selling children’s theatre shows in 2010 and 2011. It was seen by over 400,000 people!

Off stage Peppa Pig has just celebrated her most successful year ever with over £200 million merchandise sales in the UK and Peppa Pig being shown in over 180 territories, including the United States. The theme park, Peppa Pig World, also opened at Paultons Park, New Forest in March.

Peppa Pig isn’t the only children’s favourite visiting The Grand next year. Fireman Sam is back due to popular demand with Pontypandy Rocks! Join Sam and all his friends as Pontypandy hosts its first ever music festival. Who will Officer Steel’s surprise guest star be? Naughty Norman Price and Mandy Flood are determined to find out on Sunday 19th February.

A young girl, a hungry wolf and a walk through the woods - it sounds like a recipe for disaster, but Red Riding Hood isn’t scared...well, maybe she’s a little bit scared!

Horse + Bamboo present a gorgeously rendered re-telling of the girl and the wolf tale on Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th March. Tickets selling fast!

Book now for The Grand’s 2012 fabulous family pantomime Cinderella with a full star cast to be announced! This favourite of all the fairy tales opens on Friday 7th December.

Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt is at the Grand Theatre on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd January.

Book your seats now by calling the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 290190, online at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk or at the Grand Theatre information sales point in the Houndshill Shopping Centre.

Rock 'N' Roll will never die!

2012-01-09T04:03:00.000-08:00

In 1961 emotions run high as young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win a national song writing competition – and more importantly the attention of the gorgeous Sue! But when Bobby discovers that shy Laura is no slouch on the piano, love and rock ‘n’ roll fame beckons…

Inspired by the smash hit, multi-million selling albums Dreamboats and Petticoats One, Two, Three and Four, the West End sell out sensation Dreamboats and Petticoats the Musical is returning to Blackpool’s Grand Theatre from Monday 23rd January to Saturday 28th January.

This most nostalgic of musicals features classic tracks from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran and other stars, including Let’s Dance, To Know Him Is To Love Him, Bobby’s Girl, Three Steps to Heaven, Let’s Twist Again and many, many more.

Dreamboats and Petticoats stars West End star, and Any Dream Will Do finalist, Ben James Ellis as Norman and 2011 X Factor contestant Terry Winstanley as Phil/Older Bobby.

A finalist in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s search for a ‘Joseph’, Any Dream Will Do, Ben James Ellis made his West End debut playing Link Larkin in Hairspray. He also starred in Sky One’s Hairspray The School Musical. With a Whatsonstage Award for ‘Best Supporting Actor in a Musical’ Ben has been playing the role of Norman in the West End, before joining the Dreamboats and Petticoats tour in 2012.

Terry Winstanley began singing at the age of 9 when his dad offered him £1 to enter a talent competition. Terry won and began emulating his hero, Mario Lanza, from the age 15 when he regularly appeared at Stratford Theatre singing operatic arias for the fee of a cup of tea and a biscuit!

Terry gave up singing to raise his family but was persuaded by one of his granddaughters to enter X Factor in 2011. Terry made it through the audition process with glowing praise from the judges before receiving a call from Bill Kenwright offering him a role in Dreamboats and Petticoats.

Dreamboats and Petticoats, written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, premiered in February 2009 at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley. Having sold out its return there in November 2009, the national tour extended throughout 2011 and now continues in 2012.

Featuring some of the greatest hit songs of the rock ‘n’ roll era, plus a good, old-fashioned love story, Dreamboats and Petticoats is an evening of pure, hedonistic affection for a more innocent era, when love was young and so was rock ‘n’ roll.

Musical lovers are in for a treat at The Grand throughout 2012 with Titanic The Musical in April, an action packed musical adventure, Swallows and Amazons in May and Tony Award winner, 42nd Street in July – plus many more to be announced!

Dreamboats and Petticoatsreturns to The GrandTheatre on Monday 23^rd January to Saturday 28^th January2012.
To book for any show you can call the Box Office on 01253 743339 or click on www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk, or visit us at the Grand Theatre information sales point in the Houndshill Shopping Centre.

Stars visit Brian House

2011-12-28T05:03:00.000-08:00

The cast of TheGrand’s family pantomime

SNOW WHITE AND THESEVEN DWARFS

visited Brian House.

VickyEntwistle, SteveRoyle, Jenny Jones and the cast of Snow White helpedto bring some Christmas cheer to the children of Brian House when they made aspecial visit to them!

Brian House is a specialist unit within TrinityHospice, specialising in palliative care for children and families. Opened inDecember 1996 Brian House provides a dedicated specialist children’s wing underthe umbrella of Trinity. They provide care and a ‘home from home’ environmentfor children and young adults from within the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre areaswho have life threatening and/or life limiting conditions

Last week Vicky, Steve, Jenny, Jamie and the SnowWhite cast spent an afternoon with the children, telling them all aboutthe pantomime and being entertained by Steve Royle and his comictalents!

Lisa Martin,Community Fundraiser for Brian House said, “At the hospice we try to makesure “every minute counts” and help create some beautiful memories not only forthe children but for the families as well. Over the past 5 years The GrandTheatre has made our special children incredibly happy! We loved working withthe cast again this year.”

The Grand’s fun-filled family panto Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs, stars Coronation Street’s Janice Battersby (Vicky Entwistle) as the Wicked Queen alongside BBC Lancashire’s Steve Royle, Jenny Jones from Hi-5 and Jamie John, star of the Channel 4 reality TV series Seven Dwarves.

Former Blackpool & Fylde College student Vicky Entwistle is best known as the brash but big-hearted Janice Battersby in ITV1’s Coronation Street, who arrived on the cobbles in 1997 with her slobbish husband Les, step-daughter Leanne and daughter Toyah. She played Janice for 14 unforgettable years before recently deciding to leave the soap to pursue other acting projects.

Grand family favourite Steve Royle returned to The Grand for his ninth knockout consecutive pantomime year in Snow White due to popular demand!

Jenny Jones is best known as the star of worldwide hit kid’s TV show Hi-5 shown on Cartoonito, Boomerang and ITV4. Following the huge success of the television series Jenny recently toured the UK and Ireland in Hi-5 Surprise Party and in various high profile events, including performing for the Royal Family in Abu Dhabi!
Completingthe all star cast is Jamie John, who made his television debut in LittleBritain and also appeared in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.Jamie is one of seven actors featured in Channel 4’s new reality TV series SevenDwarves.

SnowWhite is aclassic fairytale fantasy jam-packed with music and dance, fun and laughter, atroubled princess, a seriously wicked stepmother, a handsome prince and, ofcourse, seven cheeky dwarfs! Oh yes it is!

Beautifulprincess Snow White has skin as white as snow and lips as red asrubies. But her cruel stepmother the Wicked Queen flies into a jealous rage andplots to kill her when a magic mirror declares her stepdaughter is ‘the fairestof them all’ and Snow White flees to the safety of the sevendwarf’s house. But who is the curious old crone selling apples door to door?And can true love’s kiss really save the day? Follow us deep into the magicalforest and find out....

Mirror,mirror on the wall.

Whichpantomime is best of all?

The finestpanto in the land

Is surelyon at Blackpool’s Grand!

Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs is at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool until Monday 2nd January 2012. Times vary.

For more information on Brian House visit www.trinityhospice.co.uk/brian-house/

Tickets areavailable from only £12.50with children’s prices, grandparent’s prices, concessions,family tickets, schools and group discounts also available.

Show runningtime: 2hours 20 mins approx

2011-12-27T13:33:00.000-08:00

Fresh from receiving an MBE, EastEnders actress Brooke Kinsella is to star alongside Men Behaving Badly’s Leslie Ash and Tara Flynn at Blackpool Grand Theatre next March.

The brand new comedy All The Single Ladies – about three women, three stories, three lives and one problem – is at The Grand from Thursday to Saturday, March 1 to 3.

Lies, deceit, red faces, regrets, hangovers and revenge are all in the mix.

Liz is a woman who calls the shots. Orla has waited so long for Mr Right she hasn’t noticed her prince has turned into a frog. Alison is just too young to have been left on her own.

One has been married seven times. One would settle for being introduced to his friends.

The other has just lost the love of her life.

It seems these women have little in common but when was a woman all that she seems?

Returning to the stage in her first national tour for 17 years Leslie Ash is one of the nation’s best-loved comic actresses.

A household name as everyone’s favourite next door neighbour, Debs, in Men Behaving Badly, Leslie has also appeared in Holby City and Merseybeat.

Brooke Kinsella MBE has appeared on television and stage since childhood after making her television debut at seven years old in Mud.

She then found national fame in her role as Kelly Taylor in EastEnders.

A prolific anti-violence campaigner, Brooke was made an MBE on December 14 for her work to raise awareness of knife crime following the death of her brother in 2008.

Brooke told BBC News that she dedicated her award to her brother and “to every other kid we’ve lost. 'I fully understand I’m not the only person who does work like this so I’d like to be humble and recognise everybody who is working hard.'

Joining Leslie and Brooke onstage is Tara Flynn, best known for her appearances on Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle and The Omid Djalili Show.

To book tickets call the box office on (01253) 743338 or click on www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk or visit the Grand Theatre information sales point in the Houndshill Shopping Centre.

Magical Ballet Begins A ‘GRAND’ Start To 2012

2011-12-15T04:49:00.000-08:00

The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia return to Blackpool’s Grand Theatre with three beautiful ballets.

The Grand Theatre is delighted to bring one of Russia’s most acclaimed ballet companies back to Blackpool following a fantastic 2011 season. The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia will perform La Fille mal gardée on 6th January, Nutcracker on 7th January and Swan Lake on 8th January.

Recreated by Alexander Gorsky, La Fille mal gardée remains one of the oldest ballets still regularly performed.

La Fille mal gardée tells of the love between Lise and Colas, and Lise’s efforts to thwart her possessive mother’s plans to marry her to a rich but unattractive vineyard owner! Featuring comedy, drama and beautiful virtuoso dancing, these excerpts will give you a taste of the whole ballet, including the flute dance, Fanny Elsler pas de deux and the famous clog dance.

In a new, magical production of Nutcracker this most famous of fantasy ballets opens as night falls on a traditional fireside scene on Christmas Eve. On the stroke of midnight we are transported to an enchanting world where nothing is as it seems. Toy dolls come to life, an army of soldiers does battle with a gang of mice and a Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince.

A seasonal favourite, Tchaikovsky’s music is some of the most instantly memorable of all ballet, with a wealth of famous melodies including the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The greatest romantic ballet of all, Swan Lake, is an immortal love story filled with magic, emotion and beauty.

A timeless tale of good vs evil, Prince Siegfried battles to save the beautiful Swan Princess, Odette, from the clutches of the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart.

From the opulence and splendour of the magnificent court room to the exhilarating lake scenes where swans play in perfect formation, Tchaikovsky’s hauntingly beautiful music creates an unforgettable experience.

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

La Fille mal gardée comes to The Grand Theatre on Friday 6th January, Nutcracker will be performed on Saturday 7th January and Swan Lake on Sunday 8th January. Tickets start from just £20.

Don’t forget! The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia returns to the Grand Theatre in March with Sleeping Beauty and Giselle.

Ballet facts:

La Fille mal gardée
• Chickens have long been associated with productions of Fille and the 1885 staging for the Imperial Ballet featured live chickens.
• While the Royal Ballet’s production of Fille is traditionally staged in 2 acts, on tour this is expanded into 3 because of complicated changes in settings.
• Ashton’s Maypole dance has been reduced in length since the ballet’s first staging but no other scene has ever been altered.

Nutcracker
• Nutcracker premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg on 18 December 1892. It was performed along with Tchaikovsky's opera, Iolanta.
• The Sugar Plum Fairy's dance with the Prince is probably the most famous pas de deux (dance for two) in ballet.
• Tchaikovsky was asked to use the celesta, a new instrument, to make the music for the Sugar Plum Fairy sound like the "sprays of a fountain."

Swan Lake
• Although it is now widely known as one of the world’s most popular ballets Swan Lake was very poorly received by critics at its opening performance in 1877.
• Since its revival performance in 1885 Swan Lake has rarely been off stage around the world.
• In 2002 Graeme Murphy’s version of Swan Lake was loosely based on the ‘love triangle’ between Princess Diana, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles.

The Inspector is BACK!

2011-12-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

The Grand Theatre is pleased to announce the opening of An Inspector Calls 2012 tour.

Fresh from a hugely successful run in London’s West End, Oscar-winning director Stephen Daldry’s celebrated production of JB Priestley’s gripping thriller An Inspector Calls returns to Blackpool’s Grand Theatre from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 15th January 2012 for what will be the spectacular opening week for the new tour.

The production has become the most successful revival of a play in British history. Epic staging, raw emotion and a sweeping score by Oscar-winning composer Stephen Warbeck (Shakespeare in Love) are just some of the ingredients that have made Stephen Daldry’s exciting adaptation of An Inspector Calls a smash-hit all over the world, winning more awards than any other play in history!

When the Inspector calls unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, their peaceful dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the very foundations of their lives and challenge us all to examine our consciences.

An Inspector Calls premiered in the West End in 1946 with this current production making its National Theatre debut in 1992. Since then it has clocked up over 4,000 performances worldwide making it the longest running revival of a play in history.

Neil Thomson, the Grand Theatre’s CEO said, “The theatre has embarked on bringing quality drama to Blackpool and the North West. It is fitting that the Grand’s continued relationship with PW Productions and their General Manager Olly Royds allows us to open the 2012 tour of the award-winning An Inspector Calls. This marks the opening of an exciting season for the Grand Theatre.”

Quality drama continues in March (27th – 31st) with English Touring Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe production of Anne Boleyn. Compelling and witty this celebration of a great English heroine, Anne Boleyn, leaps between generations to reveal the debt King James I owed to Anne when he reconciled England’s religious factions by creating his common Bible. Following two sell-out London seasons this vibrant and gripping production is unmissable.

Neil Thomson continued, “We are delighted to also see English Touring Theatre return to The Grand with their production of the acclaimed Anne Boleyn in association with Shakespeare’s Globe. It is a proud moment for The Grand to be the only North West date on their tour.”

Following the success of March 2011’s To Kill a Mocking Bird, the 2012 production from The Touring Consortium (Monday 16th to Saturday 21st April) is Diary of Anne Frank, a beautifully tender and powerful account of hope, courage, survival and loss. Marking the 60th anniversary of the diary’s publication in English this extraordinary personal account of hope, courage and survival has united and touched people all over the world.

The Touring Consortium productions are testimony to quality drama with previous plays staged at The Grand being Of Mice and Men and To Kill a Mocking Bird. The theatre is now a member of The Touring Consortium thus ensuring future productions from the company."

Finally an action packed musical adventure, Swallows and Amazons, will be sailing into the theatre from Tuesday 8th May to Saturday 12th May. Follow Captain John and his able crew as they set sail to Wildcat Island for exotic adventures encountering savages, dastardly pirates and much more!

“Swallows and Amazons from The Children’s Touring Partnership also reinforces The Grand’s commitment to quality productions. It is rather poignant that the theatre is the closest venue to the original setting of Arthur Ransome’s classic children’s story in the Lake District National Park.

The interest we are currently experiencing in this season has encouraged us to further programme high quality product for the future, to include a visit from The National Theatre in November 2012.”

An Inspector Calls returns to The Grand Theatre on Tuesday 10th January to Saturday 15th January 2012.

To book for any show you can call the Box Office on 01253 743339 or click on www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk, or visit us at the Grand Theatre information sales point in the Houndshill Shopping Centre.