Visit Blackpool's beautiful Grand Theatre and you will experience a feast of fabulous family friendly shows from opera, ballet, plays, comedies and musicals to contemporary drama, dance and pantomime!
Just announced to round off an already exciting 2008 programme are a one off date from legendary musician Joe Brown, beautiful ballets The Nutcracker, Coppelia and Giselle from The Russian State Ballet of Siberia, a magical New Year's Eve spectacular with the British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, powerful drama Be My Baby and charity comedy extravaganza All Hands on Deck with Joe Longthorne!
Add to that, the smash hit 60s musical Shout! starring Claire Sweeney and Su Pollard, the outrageous 4 Poofs and A Piano, stunning new works from Phoenix Dance, the emotive and unforgettable war drama All Quiet on The Western Front starring James Alexandrou (EastEnders' Martin Fowler), the 25th anniversary production of classic comedy 'Allo 'Allo starring Vicki Michelle and Jeffrey Holland, a one night stand from up and coming comedian Jason Manford, beehived singing sensation Mari Wilson, The Animals and Spencer Davis, the welcome return of crazy piano duo Katzenjammer and musicals spectacular Beyond The Barricade and there really is something for everyone!
The sixties weren't swinging for all the young girls sent to unmarried mother and baby homes. Be My Baby is the bittersweet story of 17 year old Mary Adams who is single and seven months pregnant in mid-sixties England, told along to the fabulous music of the Shangri-Las, the Dixie Cups and the Ronnettes. This poignant production comes from In Yer Space theatre group who are based at Arnold School in Blackpool. Be My Baby comes fresh from a three week run at the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and is at the Lawrence House Studio at the Grand from Wednesday 10th September to Friday 12th September. Tickets ?8.50.
One of the country's best loved, most enduring and acclaimed musicians; Joe Brown invites you to join him on Saturday 11th October in celebrating 50 incredible years as a professional entertainer. Joe returns by popular demand with a thrilling two hour set with his long serving band The Bruvvers, his daughter Sam Brown and record-producing son Pete Brown. Joe's first love has always been performing live – and this is your chance to see one of the all-time great British talents performing timeless classics, rockabilly, gospel, country, folk and electric rock 'n' roll all interwoven with Joe's effervescent style and humour. Tickets from ?19
Singers, comedians, musicians and impressionists from the resort's hotspots will go overboard with All Hands on Deck on Saturday 29th November in a bid to raise thousands for charity in a Grand bash. Aboard the SS Grand Theatre are Captain Joe Longthorne, First Officer Tony Jo, Ship's Cat Johnnie Casson and Chief Wren Pat Mancini! In aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust, North West Air Ambulance, The Princess Alexandra Home for the Blind, Blackpool Victoria Hospital and others. Tickets from ?12.
One of the most magical evenings of the Grand Theatre calendar returns when the British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and guest soloists take to the stage for a New Year's Eve spectacular under the expert eye of Artistic Director Jeremy Peaker. Tickets from ?25.50. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet post concert and see in the New Year in sensational style for an additional ?12.50 per person.
The Russian State Ballet of Siberia makes a welcome return to the Grand for January 2009 with three stunning ballets. In a delightful new production of The Nutcracker on Sunday 11th January, this most famous of fantasy ballets begins as night falls on a traditional fireside scene on Christmas Eve. On the stroke of midnight we are transported to an enchanting world where a Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince. Tickets from Euro18.50.
When eccentric toymaker Dr Coppelius creates beautiful living doll Coppelia he unwittingly unleashes havoc in his local village. Sensational sets, beautiful costumes and dancing toys fill the stage in this joyous tale of mistaken identity and the search for the perfect woman on Monday 12th January. Tickets from ?16.50.
The wonderfully romantic story of Giselle and her aristocratic but duplicitous love Albrecht is set to a glorious score and brought breathtakingly to life by the magnificent costumes and virtuoso performances of the Russian State Ballet of Siberia on Tuesday 13th January. Tickets from Euro16.50. Student prices, family tickets and specially priced linked tickets are available for all three ballets.
Grand Theatre General Manager, Neil Thomson, said: "I am especially delighted to bring Coppelia and Giselle to the Grand as they are two of the more diverse ballet productions that are not presented as often in the North West.
"The Grand Theatre is also dedicated to offering families the opportunity to enjoy the arts together. This means making it easier for you to book theatre tickets, a true understanding of you and your families' specific needs and programming quality shows with everyone in mind.
"Our excellent relationship with Parkrite in Blackpool allows patrons an opportunity to purchase greatly discounted car parking tickets in West Street Car Park when purchased with show tickets. This secure parking is directly opposite the theatre and can save you up to ?7! Please use this facility as it may contribute to the enjoyment of your evening.
"We also try to make it economically viable for you to visit the theatre by offering competitive prices compared with our City counterparts. We offer many discounts, concessions and special offers for everyone. Please do treat yourself and your family to an evening of fun, culture and education at Blackpool's glorious Grand Theatre." -- www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk
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