The Grand Theatre, Blackpool have recently announced an exciting new programme of shows for the spring and summer season 2016. There is an incredible line-up of entertainment ahead, which includes, drama, musicals, dance, opera, music and comedy. With this eclectic selection, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. The season’s highlights include; The Royal Shakespeare Company presenting A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the first ever live tour of ITV’s 60’s police drama and the world premiere of David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny.
For those whose penchant is classic drama, the RSC are returning to Blackpool with the nation’s favourite Shakespeare play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This will be performed as never before, with a cast of 18 professional actors from the RSC and local amateur group, Poulton Drama as Shakespeare’s Mechanicals.
Opening in March, for the first time ever Heartbeat comes to the stage. Featuring popular characters David Stockwell, Gina Ward, PC Geoff Younger to name a few, this two hour, live stage production will present a brand-new script to Blackpool audiences.
More drama is on offer when the Touring Consortium Theatre Company return with John Steinbeck’s classic Of Mice and Men. February features The Flare Path, a highly emotive drama about RAF bomber crews, their wives and sweethearts. For a darkly gripping thriller, Frederick Knott’s Dial M for Murder is sure to cause a few tingling spines within the audience. Or, if the world of 1940’s showbiz is more to your liking, then the sex and scandal of the wonderfully saucy Miss Nightingale is sure to please.
Lovers of The Grand’s dance programme (funded by the Arts Council) will also be delighted by the new season. The Last Tango features Strictly favourites Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace saying goodbye to the stage in their most emotive production yet. Contemporary dance fans will not be disappointed when Wayne McGregor and Random Dance presents ATOMOS. Hip hop fans are not overlooked when ZooNation present into The Hoods:Remixed. And, the ground-breaking international festival of hip hop returns with Sadler’s Wells Breaking Convention.
April sees BGT family favourites Ashley and Pudsey appear at The Grand for the first time in Mission ImPUDSEYble. Join them on a mission as they face their arch nemesis Dr Feline and his acrobatic cat burglars. More family fun abounds with the World Premiere of David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny. The season continues with Mister Maker and The Shapes Live and Peppa Pig’s Surprise.
For fans of local talent, there are two musicals on offer: Blackpool Operatic Players will be performing Mel Brooks’ The Producers, which is based on the award winning film. Firm favourite Grease will return courtesy of Blackpool and Fylde Light Orchestra Company. Following their appearance with the RSC, Poulton Drama will present poignant comedy drama, September in the Rain by John Godber.
More music features with international hit show Let It Be celebrating the music of The Beatles. In addition to a host of celebration acts including The Illegal Eagles, The Simon and Garfunkle Story, Whitney Queen of the Night and The Johnny Cash Roadshow. With original choreography by Arlene Philips, Jackie The Musical is set to delight audiences with the music of Donny Osmond, David Cassidy and Marc Bolan. This fun, feisty musical revisits a time, well remembered by this writer, when Jackie annual was all a girl needed for advice – those were the days…
No season would be complete without opera and the award winning English Touring Opera return to The Grand with a double bill. Iphigenie en Tauride features vampire-like villains, whilst the second opera, Mozart’s most engrossing opera, Don Giovanni presents the darkest of comedy and the sexiest cautionary tales.
As if all of this wasn’t enough, The Grand will also host an amazing selection of one-night shows including Ed Byrne, That’ll Be the Day and Solid Silver 60s to name a few.
Phew, what a busy season for The Grand and a real treat for theatregoers of every taste.
For more information or to book tickets please contact the Box Office on 01253 743339 or visit www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk
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