It was standing room only in the space at The Grand Theatre known as, erm, The Space for the launch of the 2016/17 programme. Hyperbole is often the order of the day at events like this, and it’s easy to get carried away when there are slick Ellie Goulding backed promos to watch. But it isn’t overstating it to say that the offer is probably the strongest and most diverse the theatre has ever delivered.
Tony Stone, Chair of The Grand Theatre Board, set the scene with his opening remarks. He demonstrated the pride of everyone involved in securing dreamthinkspeak’s ‘Absent’ (of which more later). He also recognised the great achievements made by Ruth Eastwood since taking over as the CEO of the theatre.
Ruth herself spoke next and looking back highlighted a number of achievements. These included a 15k increase in attendance from Blackpool residents, and a 30k increase in total attendance. Finances have been turned round to the extent that a small surplus was made in the most recent accounting period.
Looking ahead she explained that a core feature of the programme was to attract more families and young people under 26. With regard to creative education a lot of the good work The Grand is doing at grass roots level is outreach in schools and the community, and Ruth stressed how this less visible work was as important in changing lives as headline productions.
The first of three speakers from productions featured in the programme was Richard Porter, General Manager of the Buddy Holly Story Production. He stressed that despite appearances this production is very much aimed at people of all ages, hence the longevity of its success.
Tristan Sharps from dreamthinkspeak was next to address the audience. He gave a tantalising preview of the Absent production, which is part of the Grand Programme although it is actually staged in normally unused parts of the Winter Gardens. Tristan described a surreal experience, in which the absence of live actors much of the time adds to the construct in a unique mix of fact and fiction.
Finally in terms of guest speakers Sam Bradshaw from Sell A Door talked through the Little Shop Of Horrors production. This kicked off in Bournemouth this week, and culminates its run at The Grand from 22 to 26 November. Sam therefore promised the most polished performance of the run. Devotees of the musical may be interested to know that music not normally used in the production has been sanctioned.
In summing up Ruth Eastwood highlighted a couple of other key points, one programme related and one not. The inclusion of two classic dramas in the schedule, Nell Gwynn and A Tale of Two Cities, was referred to as testament to The Grand’s commitment to this form of theatre.
Finally the audience were shown the new gBook Store. This new initiative provides electronic access to current and previous season guides, creative learning packs, groups guides, dedicated interest guides (including drama and dance) and much more beside. This new resource can be accessed by smartphones and tablets; in the longer term the plan is to put The Grand’s full archive on this platform.
Full details of the upcoming Grand programme can be found at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk.
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