Scarlett Clegg

I was fortunate enough to be present at the opening night of the fantastic, all singing, all dancing extravaganza that is Puttin' on the Ritz at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool. When we arrived, the foyer was bustling with people, as was the bar. Once seated, I looked around the auditorium and it was pretty packed too. This may have been fuelled by recent trends towards anything nostalgic, or it could just have been because people are aware of the high quality of Spirit Productions’ shows and their excellent director, David King. As a small child, my parents always watched the…

It looks as though Blackpool Opera House is set to rock this autumn when the premier of The Who’s classic rock opera takes to the stage.  This smash hit West End and Broadway show stars Joe McElderry, who shot to fame after winning the ITV talent show The X factor.  It is directed by star of stage and screen Paul Nicholas who also starred alongside Elton John, Roger Daltrey and Tina Turner in the 1975 film. The new show also coincides with the 40th anniversary of the film. Anyone who is a child of the sixties or seventies will remember…

The Grand recently announced that Puttin’ On The Ritz is to be their main summer show for 2015 and it sounds fantastic. Featuring the music of three legendary composers; Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Irving Berlin, it promises a spectacular celebration of music from the golden age of Hollywood. Songs in the show will include Cheek to Cheek, Alexander’s Rag Time Band, Birth of the Blues, Swanee, Night and Day, I got Rhythm, Easter Parade and, of course, Puttin’ On The Ritz. Presented by international theatre producer David King, of Spirit Productions, Puttin’ On The Ritz will feature slick harmonies…

I have to say that it’s very rare that I leave the Grand Theatre feeling disappointed by a show.  In fact, it has only happened to me twice in the ten years that I have lived here.  Sadly, Saturday night was one of them.  As a massive fan of the original film, I was really looking forward to seeing the show.  The promotional material I read had given me high hopes of a fantastic night.  But this was not to be.  Don’t get me wrong, the show wasn’t terrible, it just lacked a certain something. Initially, we thought that it…