Blackpool News / Culture / Theatres & Shows And We’re Feeling GRAND! 19 July 2021 by Visit Blackpool Blackpool Grand Theatre is delighted to announce that, following the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson’s, announcement of the lifting of restrictions, the theatre will begin to re-open from Tuesday 4 August, starting with in-person sales through the Ticket Office, followed by live shows from September 2021, aiming for an incredible Christmas return with a fantastic full-scale pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the backbone of the theatre year. The last 17-months has been an extremely difficult time for Blackpool’s Grand Theatre. The historic venue has been closed for an unbelievable 536-days, with no live performances on its iconic stage nor local audiences in its beautiful auditorium. Blackpool Grand Chief Executive Ruth Eastwood thanked the local community for its generous support and understanding as the theatre was forced to refund or rebook hundreds of thousands of their tickets as shows moved and moved again. Eastwood went on to applaud the UK Government, and particularly the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England, for their support of Theatres with the Cultural Recovery Fund. She thanked the Blackpool MPs for ensuring that the theatre and the town was kept in the forefront of the nation’s minds and Local Government for its support. In addition, she thanked the excellent businesses they work with for their understanding and support throughout this difficult time. The theatre has focused on serving our customers whilst closed, handling over 400,000 queries and questions about tickets and shows, with a very small, dedicated team. Customers can currently order tickets online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk, then on Tuesday 4 August (from 10am) the theatre plans to open a Ticket Sales Office, but not within the theatre building. The Team has thought long-and-hard about the wellbeing of its customers and, even though many of the restrictions have been lifted, they wanted all customers to feel safe. The Ticket Sales Office will be relocated just a short distance from the theatre next to Marks and Spencer’s in a separate shop. This decision has made to allow an easier customer flow through the theatre’s foyer, when open. Eastwood said ‘We have had the opportunity to monitor and learn from businesses re-opening within our own industry and others, we want to get it right from the start and ensure our customers know they are both comfortable and safe. Following UK Government advice, Blackpool’s Grand will be lifting social distancing on seating, however, to protect our customers and employees, we will continue to positively encourage customers to wear facemasks throughout their visit (always following government guidelines). We will be offering free facemasks to any visitor that needs one, and, additionally, have installed hand sanitiser stations around the theatre and will continue to conduct an intensive cleaning regime before, during and after each show. We will also request that customers keep a distance from one another where they can. ‘Our sales office, bars, and merchandise areas will have contactless technology, meaning we will encourage customers to use this payment method to avoid handling cash.’ Despite all these adaptations, Blackpool Grand has produced a great line-up of new and familiar shows planned for Summer/Autumn/Winter, and into 2022. The theatre has plans to open with a children’s favourite Fireman Same Live on 4 September and the team cannot wait to hear children’s screams of laughter and enjoyment ringing in our ears. Other renowned shows visiting are Susan Hill’s spine-chilling thriller The Woman In Black, definitely not one for the faint-hearted and home-grown hit, Around The World In 80s Days, the 80s comedy musical playing throughout October. Then, the one we all can’t wait for, Pantomime will return ‘in-person’ with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starring Coronation Street’s Vicky Entwistle and panto favourite and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royle along with full cast, outstanding sets and award-winning choreography and direction. Visit our website, blackpoolgrand.co.uk for full details. The best way our community can support Blackpool Grand Theatre to bounce back to full strength is to purchase a ticket and return to enjoying a great night out with family and friends. Now is the time to attend theatre more than ever!’ Eastwood added. Booking tickets for Blackpool Grand has never been easier, for now visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk, or from Tuesday 4 August (10am) call 01253 290 190.