Grand Theatre Program Announced Up To September 2007

The Grand Theatre announced its full programme today, the highlight being several top musicals to be presented before September 2007. There's lots of fun to be had this season.

Grand Theatre manager Paul Iles said, "One of the great advantages of operating an historic theatre like the Frank Matcham-designed Grand is that so many people have a strong personal connection with the building. It is intriguing to see how the Blackpool community is involved and defines us within their world. I have been surprised at the number of theatregoers who come into the vestibule saying 'I can remember seeing my first live show here in the 1960s', or 'I saw such good musicals at the Grand in the 1980s'. Some people even tell me they had their first kiss in the Gallery. This creates a strong sense of ownership: a love affair with the 'Glorious Grand'.

"Whether members of Blackpool Operatic Players (Thoroughly Modern Millie, April), Blackpool and Fylde Light Opera Company (Copacabana, June), Blackpool and The Fylde College performing arts students (the return of their annual summer production) - or amongst thousands of theatregoers, there is bedrock support, enthusiasm and concern for the Grand Theatre, and the opportunity for every sentimental performer, Friend of the Grand or patron to be an enthusiastic word-of-mouth ambassador for our productions.

"At the same time, this personal connection often translates in strong feelings and opinions about the building and the choice of shows, such that I run the risk of upsetting supporters if they disagree with the programme. But as always, I have listened to patrons' requests and, in so far as possible, my response has been to secure more top musicals. After all, twenty musicals opened in London last year, and many of them were booked solid. Hence, we offer productions of Girls' Night, 42nd Street, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Blood Brothers and The Rocky Horror Show.

"Perhaps most significantly for a theatre with programming ambition, from the National Theatre of Scotland comes Tutti Frutti. Blackpool is the sole England date following sold-out seasons north of the border. This show is the artistic highlight of the season."

Other artistic highlights are contributions to the 2007 Puppet Up! Festival, a continuing series of lectures and talks from eminent theatre makers and scholars, a National Theatre of Variety production with young performers from Blackpool, three Grand youth theatre plays, several children's shows including Horrible Histories, and a weekend with local rock bands led by 2006 Rock Quest winners The Lotus Circle.

Paul Iles continued, "In June, as previously announced, we will be going dark for five weeks in order to reseat and re-carpet the entire theatre. The very act of investing private donations in this £550,000 renovation project is a symbol of Blackpool's determination to improve the town centre. Our fundraising continues. This process is a healthy one, bringing the old into the new. This is outing and engaging a cross-section of friends, benefactors, trusts and foundations who are working together for the common good of Blackpool. The Grand Theatre will soon be the most comfortable heritage theatre in England, shining brighter than ever.

"Blackpool can be sure that we are working hard to maximise the benefits with a succession of top quality attractions of every form, resuming with the premiere of the new musical Babewatch and the opening of a national touring production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's fabulous South Pacific. We expect to announce the remaining summer season weeks in April.

"In these challenging times for Blackpool, we are pleased to continue the proud tradition of live theatre for our communities. The Grand Theatre trustees and I are very grateful to Blackpool Council for helping us at this difficult time. There's lots of fun to be had this season."

Full details of over fifty new shows are available on the Grand Theatre website (blackpoolgrand.co.uk), with theatre magazines to be mailed and distributed throughout Lancashire and beyond during February. -- www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk