Stephen Dunstan, Author at Blackpool Social Club

12 Mar

Large And Yet Small – Something Or Nothing At Abingdon Studios

Stephen Dunstan0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitions

Something or Nothing is the largest group exhibition installed at Abingdon Studios to date, with eighteen artists working nationally and at varying stages in their careers being invited by each studio member. Although diverse in its make-up, the show brings together common traits through small, bitesized, miniature works–things which may simply be small, parts of larger constructions, or speculative utterances of things to come. Working practices, on occasion, may necessitate smallness, given limitations on space or transportability; smallness may make a quiet stand against the grandiose or the overstated; or perhaps the small invites closeness. Small works may not command…

08 Mar

Grand Spring Season Begins With Glam Great

Stephen Dunstan1 CommentMusic & Gigs

AltBlackpool was recently at The Grand Theatre for the launch of their spring and summer season launch. It was certainly spectacular, with an 18 foot live dinosaur and its babies as well as a kaleidoscope of kites suspended from the ceiling. In keeping with this dramatic setting a host of exciting features were trailed for the coming months. The 35 different shows will provide over 160 nights of fantastic live entertainment. Ruth Eastwood, Blackpool Grand Theatre Chief Executive opened the event, sharing her personal story about how her passion for theatre had been ignited. She said ‘A combination of my…

01 Mar

Winter Gardens Launch Season Of Variety

Stephen Dunstan0 CommentsMusic & Gigs

Thursday saw the Winter Gardens launch their summer season. I have to say I had mixed feelings about it. There are clearly many stand out nights coming to the resort in the next few months; it was just a shame that this event which was supposed to showcase them didn't really hit the heights. So let's start with the programme. Some events have already sold out. These include Gary Barlow, who will fill the Opera House on both 27th and 28th April. Also already a full house is the visit of the League of Gentlemen on 18th September, no great…

18 Feb

Review – Blackpool Magic Convention Show (Sunday)

Stephen Dunstan0 CommentsTheatre, Dance & Performance

Blackpool Magic Club have run a successful convention for many years. The 2018 incarnation, the 66th, took place at the Winter Gardens this weekend with several thousand attendees. AltBlackpool's Stephen Dunstan went along to the Sunday gala show, here is his report. It's a long story, but I received free tickets for this from someone in the Shetland Islands. They were planning to attend, but couldn't make it. Having missed Friday and Saturday due to prior commitments, I went straight from the football to make sure I saw the final one. I had no idea what to expect, but it was really enjoyable.…

19 Jan

Review – Vivaldi By Candlelight at The Grand

Stephen Dunstan0 CommentsMusic & Gigs, Theatre, Dance & Performance

A very decent turnout braved a wintry Blackpool evening for this performance by the Locrian Ensemble. This select group of performers have made a name for themselves doing nights largely devoted to one major composer, performing in the dress of the period. This one, as you might have guessed, featured the work of Antonio Vivaldi with the second half given over to all four concertos in the Four Seasons. The musical performances were interspersed with some speeches by the Ensemble's Artistic Director and lead cellist Justin Pearson. These were very entertaining and informative, except perhaps for a supposed real anecdote…

04 Jan

Winter Gardens Open Day

Stephen Dunstan0 CommentsLocal News

The world-famous Winter Gardens will again throw open its doors for an exclusive access all areas event, allowing the public a rare chance to explore every nook and cranny of the grade 2* listed building and witness firsthand the extensive renovations taking place. The free event is on Saturday 27th January, 11am – 3pm. Visitors will get the chance to visit backstage at the Opera House and have a chance to tread the boards so many famous faces have previously walked on, visit the backstage dressing rooms, and get up-close to the historic Wurlitzer theatre organ. The grandeur of the Empress…

28 Dec

Off To See The Wizard

Stephen Dunstan0 CommentsTheatre, Dance & Performance

After Peter Pan at Blackpool Opera House this year, 2018 will see audiences following the yellow brick road to spend an unforgettable Christmas with Dorothy and her friends in the musical adventure The Wizard of Oz. You probably know the story inside out but just in case. After a tornado whisks away a young Kansas farm girl, Dorothy, to the magical land of OZ, she starts her quest to find the mighty Wizard of Oz who has the power to send her home. Along the way she meets a Scarecrow, a Tin man and a Cowardly Lion who help her on her journey. But will…

27 Dec

Future Ballet Stars Wanted

Stephen Dunstan0 CommentsOpportunities, Theatre, Dance & Performance

Blackpool’s Grand Theatre is offering 20 young people, aged 8 to 15 years, the chance to experience an exclusive ballet class on Friday 12 January (3pm) with some of the incredible dancers from the Russian State Ballet of Siberia. Formed in 1981, the Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia has now 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. Both the soloists and the corps de ballet have been highly praised by critics, and never fail to delight audiences with their breath-taking ability and dazzling…

26 Dec

Russian State Ballet At The Grand

Stephen Dunstan0 CommentsTheatre, Dance & Performance

After over indulging in soap opera festive specials and the like you can get some real culture in January when the Russian State Ballet Of Siberia come to the resort's Grand Theatre for three days and five performances. On Friday 12 January the Snow Maiden will be performed, with an evening performance only. Saturday 13 January will feature matinee and evening productions of The Nutcracker. Finally on Sunday 14 January there will be two performances of Swan Lake. All performances are accompanied by an orchestra, and promise to be an unmissable spectacular of music and dance. Tickets are selling fast…

24 Dec

Blackpool Museum – Update

Stephen Dunstan0 CommentsHeritage, Local News

The Blackpool Museum project has issued a progress bulletin ahead of the Christmas break. They have been exploring and costing a range of new site options for the museum. During this process they have also approached to be part of a new development on the Promenade. After considering the options in detail the Project Board chose the Palatine Building as the preferred site. The Palatine Building is a landmark building on the promenade between the Tower and Coral Island. It currently houses the Sands Venue and Wild West Diner. The building is being developed by Coolsilk Property and Investment Limited into a 5*hotel and leisure complex - the first in Blackpool. The museum…