Theatre Preview: Mr Blackpool Homecoming Gala
After touring the country with a show shaped by Blackpool’s glitz, graft and contradictions, Mr Blackpool finally arrives home this week – bringing with it feathers, drag, dance, politics, nostalgia and, for one night only, some of the town’s famous illuminations. Mr Blackpool arrives at the Grand Theatre on Wednesday for its long-awaited Homecoming Gala […]
Exhibition preview: Monet, The Magic Club and From Here To Here To Here
There’s a rare opportunity to see a work from one of the great painters in Blackpool, alongside a sound artwork made in response to the piece by young people at The Magic Club and an exhibition by celebrated contemporary artis Louise Giovanelli. Stephen Dunstan went to the preview event. We get some iconic performers in […]
Exhibition Review: John Spencer at HIVE cafe
Local artist John Spencer is exhibiting at Hive cafe. David Simper, who paints alongside John at Blackpool Art Society meetings, went along to see what he had done with the opportunity for a full-scale exhibition and to catch up with the artist. This collection of bold, vibrant pieces did not disappoint. I had had a […]
Too Regional? How the Making of Mr Blackpool was a defiant celebration of our town’s cultural power
From early rejection to national stages, Mr Blackpool is a high-camp, homegrown spectacle coming to the Grand Theatre stage next month. Harry Clayton-Wright traces the six-year journey behind this vibrant, defiant celebration of a town’s legacy, built through collaboration, resilience and unapologetic pride. “It’s too regional.” Those were the words I was told when pitching […]