Beauty and the Beast is Coming to Blackpool!
5 December 2017
by Visit Blackpool
Blackpool’s Grand Theatre announced via its new gVlog in an interview with Grand pantomime veteran, comedian and BBC Radio Lancashire presenter, Steve Royle their 2018/19 pantomime, and there’s something very special about it.
Hayley Kay, The Grand’s new roving reporter was interviewing Royle about this year’s pantomime Cinderella for its new gPLAYER media channel. When Kay pushed if he had any exclusive news to reveal, Steve struggled to hide his excitement.
Royle said ‘No idea what you’re talking about…’ but then went on to say, ‘No, I’ve literally just heard myself. Yes, I can exclusively announce next year’s pantomime…. It’s going to be a brand-new pantomime never done at The Grand before and I’ve got to say a huge favourite of my children… It’s going to be Beauty and The Beast’
The story of Beauty and The Beast is a tale as old as time in a far-off land of two very different kingdoms.
In Beauty and The Beast, Belle is dreaming of a happier life but finds herself transported to a cursed castle. Held imprisoned by a hideous beast, the castle is full of magical characters placed under a spell by an evil enchantress.
Can Belle see beyond the beast and fall in love with her captor before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose? Will the Beast’s selfishness cost him the world he once knew and the hand of the girl who has melted his heart? Featuring sumptuous costumes, magnificent scenery and the unmissable and magical transformation moment, it’s a pantomime not to be missed.
When asked if he would be returning to Blackpool’s Grand for another year, and if so who he might be cast with, Royle added ‘Yes, I can confirm I will be returning for my 16th Year and I can’t wait! This is going to be fantastic and a great challenge’. He did laugh and go on to confirm he wouldn’t be playing the Beast, or Belle.
‘As for the cast, Yes, I do know who some of my fellow cast members will be… I’m afraid I just can’t say right now’ Royle added.
Beauty and The Beast will feature sumptuous costumes, magnificent scenery and unmissable magical moments, like the village opening scene and the Beast’s transformation.
Marketing Manager Andrew Howard said, ‘We all so excited to be doing Beauty and The Beast next year. We’ve just launched this year’s Cinderella, and we’re already thinking about next year.
‘A new show, new sets, new music this is going to be a very special year and we’re sure tickets will be in high-demand!
The pantomime season is something everyone loves at The Grand, we always have a stellar line-up we’ll be hoping to break more records. We’re delighted to announce Steve Royle will be sharing yet another magical Christmas with us, he’s one of the family. Putting on the panto takes a lot of hard work but it’s an incredibly rewarding experience seeing the magic it brings to so many children at Christmas time.'
Blackpool audiences are guaranteed another year of spectacular sets, dazzling costumes and side-splitting comedy. Book your seats today to see Blackpool’s must-see Christmas show in 2018.