From a high-profile Summer Holiday co-production to bold new adaptations and a star-studded pantomime, Blackpool’s Grand Theatre launches a diverse and forward-looking season while investing in its historic venue and the next generation of performers. Stephen Dunstan tells us more.
A key moment in Blackpool’s cultural calendar this spring is the launch of the Grand Theatre’s new season. The event last Thursday featured news about the building and new partnerships as well as a tremendous variety of high quality theatre to look forward to.
Inside the theatre, the double decker bus and mini leaning tower of Pisa on stage reflected the fact that Summer Holiday is the big summer feature. Running from 29 July-8 August this builds on the Grand’s recent forays into co-production as it partners with Sheffield Theatres on this new adaptation of the Cliff Richard 1963 film. The Blackpool run will follow on immediately from a month-long stint at the famous Crucible Theatre.
Before that though, the season opens with Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty from next Thursday 16th April. This is followed by what sounds a visually spectacular adaptation of War of the Worlds opening on 22 April. The musical based on the work of The Kinks Sunny Afternoon and portraying working-class Britain in the 1960s opens on 28 April.
At the launch Adam Knight, CEO of The Grand, advised that listed building permissions had been obtained to remove the benches in the gallery area and put individual seats in. Clearly this will enhance the experience of visitors at larger shows. There are opportunities to sponsor the new seats for corporate purposes or to remember a loved one, and Adam invited anyone potentially interested to get in touch. On a related theme Sarah Shooter ran through membership options and other ways in which locals could help safeguard the Grand for future generations.
Talking of future generations Mykey Young took to the stage to talk about this year’s youth theatre production. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be staged from 19-22 August. Mykey described the intensive three week period the young people spend starting from scratch to produce a professional standard performance. A video montage described how 12 schools and over 700 young people have been involved previously improving their confidence, empathy and resilience.
A panel discussion included Stephanie Sirr MBE, Chief Executive at Nottingham Playhouse. Nottingham has worked with the family of a victim of a single punch death, James Hodgkinson, to produce Punch – based on the book, Right From Wrong, and coming to The Grand next year. This production has been receiving very good reviews from the West End where it has been on since its premiere in Nottingham.
It wouldn’t be a Grand Theatre launch event without a significant focus on the pantomime (oh yes it would…). A second panel discussion saw Steve Royle, Mr Grand Pantomime, reflecting on past productions and looking ahead to Jack and The Beanstalk this Christmas. It was noted that a good pantomime is a rare thing that can appeal to theatre goers from all age groups. The pantomime at The Grand was acknowledged as being great audience development, but also a financial keystone enabling other works to be staged and helping the theatre remain viable. In a surprise announcement Lisa George (Corrie’s Beth Tinker) was brought on stage announcing her role alongside Royle.
If you can’t wait that long for a pantomime vibe the autumn sees a Bollywood Panto in town 22-26 September in the form of Surinderella. As the name suggests this is a homage to the Cinderella story. On the subject of somewhat leftfield homage the resort’s very own Harry Clayton Wright will bring his unique take on the end of the pier show to The Grand next month (20 May) in Mr Blackpool – Homecoming Gala.
There were many other exciting shows trailed. To pick out just a couple The Beekeeper of Aleppo has a run next month (from 26 May) and promises to get the audience thinking about their assumptions and prejudices. Following a Syrian couple’s journey from their war torn country to Britain, the parallels with events today are clear and the show will be timely. Another major production arriving early next year will be an adaptation of The Silence Of The Lambs. It will be fascinating to see how this classic film is received as a stage production.
The event host Hayley Kay asked during the round tables why people should go to the theatre. For her it was partly about screen downtime, as at home she would still be scrolling a phone screen. Another answer was that people with different backgrounds and beliefs share the same common reaction and this feels life-affirming. The Grand has assembled another varied season with first rare productions and something for everyone – make sure you support them this year if you can.
