The Grand Theatre Announces Its New Season For Autumn 2013

The Grand Theatre has unveiled its new season programme, featuring West End shows Dreamboats and Petticoats, Thriller LIVE and Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, comedy from Bill Bailey and Milton Jones, drama from The Royal Shakespeare Company, English Touring Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe, opera, ballet, family shows and more.

Not to mention the swashbuckling Christmas pantomime Peter Pan starring Emmerdale’s Tom Lister, BBC Lancashire’s Steve Royle, Radio Wave’s Hayley Kay and BBC UK’s The Voice Jordon Lee- Davies!

The Grand Theatre has announced its new season for autumn 2013, whilst also revealing a few surprises for 2014.

Chief Executive Officer Ruth Eastwood said, “An evening at the Grand Theatre is more than just a great night out, it is a special experience made even more delightful by the elegant surroundings of the Grade II* listed theatre. There’s a lots to choose from this autumn and I’m confident that there’s something to excite and intrigue audiences in our new season programme. I look forward to welcoming everyone to a great night out at the Grand Theatre.”

For drama lovers, the season kicks off with the brand new play Houdini from Monday 16 to Saturday 21 September, starring BAFTA Award winning actor Stuart Brennan and Harry Potter star Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood).

Following Houdini is the Jane Austen classic Mansfield Park from Tuesday 8 to Saturday 12 October and Agatha Christie’s British Classic The Mousetrap on its first ever UK tour from Monday 25 to Saturday 30 November.

For 2014, The Grand Theatre has announced two special quality drama productions, Brassed Off, presented by the Touring Consortium Theatre Company from Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 April and Eternal Love from English Touring Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe from Tuesday 11 to Saturday 15 March.

Musical fans will not be disappointed with the hit musicals on offer this season. Straight from the West End we have Dreamboats and Petticoats starring Mark Wynter from Monday 23 to Saturday 28 September and THRILLER live from Monday 14 to Saturday 19 October.

For one riotous night of musical comedy why not try The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: The Musical on Monday 21 October or the breathtaking production Seven Brides for Seven Brothers from Monday 11 to Saturday 16 November.

Opera and Ballet International Producer Ellen Kent will be returning to The Grand and bringing with her two lavish operas; Aida on Saturday 9 November and Nabucco on Sunday 10 November. Making a return in January 2014 are three sparkling Raymond Gubbay ballets; Giselle on Friday 10, Swan lake on Saturday 11 and Sleeping Beauty on Sunday 12 January.

The Grand continues to extend its outstanding dance programme, as it enters its second year of Arts Council National Portfolio status. The leading all-male contemporary dance company 2Faced Dance returns this year with the unpredictable and fierce, Out of His Skin on Tuesday 22 October, followed by Nobulous Dance’s Out of The Shadow on Tuesday 5 November.

Later in the month, Motionhouse bring their newest, visually thrilling production Broken to the Grand Theatre on Tuesday 19 November and in 2014, Hofesh Shechter perform their hotly-anticipated Sun on Thursday 13 February 2014.

Family audiences can enjoy a good helping of imaginative and fun-filled theatre geared to children and young people, starting with the mesmerising Little Red Riding Hood from Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 September, followed by the whiz-popping, Roald Dahl classic James and the Giant Peach from Wednesday 2 to Saturday 5 October.

November brings the action-packed Bananas In Pyjamas on Sunday 17, the touchingly funny and utterly original Stick Man on Thursday 7 and the adventure-filled Peppa Pig’s Big Splash from Saturday 23 to Sunday 24.

Not forgetting a Christmas treat for the whole family, the Christmas Panto Peter Pan, starring Emmerdale’s Tom Lister, BBC Radio Lancashire and Grand Theatre favourite Steve Royle, Radio Wave’s Hayley Kay and BBC The Voice’s Jordon Lee-Davies.

For 2014, The Royal Shakespeare Company has just announced First Encounter: Taming Of The Shrew as the name of the ‘pocket-sized’ show they will be bringing to the theatre as part of the Grand’s three year involvement in the RSC’s Learning and Performance Network. First Encounter: Taming of the Shrew is on at The Grand from Thursday 27 February to Saturday 1 March. This also involves a series of workshops and learning events for children and teachers.

Comedy fans are spoilt for choice this season, with living legend Ken Dodd every Sunday from 6 October to 3 November, Bill Bailey from Friday 1 to Saturday 2 November and the hilarious Milton Jones on Wednesday 30 October.

The Grand Theatre continues its dedicated support to amateur theatre companies this season. Poulton Drama presents Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me in the studio from Friday 27 to Saturday 28 September. For something different why not try one of our famous theatre tours? See the secrets of the great stage, learn about the flamboyant architect Frank Matcham and explore the warren of staircases, dressing rooms and beyond.

Is music your thing? The Grand has something for you! Andy Prior performs for one night only on Sunday 22 September, Vampires Rock on Wednesday to 23 October and Brighouse and Rastrick Band on Tuesday 29 October. In November get ready to Rock ‘N’ Roll with The Elvis Years on Wednesday 6 and one of the UK’s finest folk groups Show of Hands on Friday 8 November with their all new Hand In Hand Tour.

For a blast back to the 80’s, don’t miss the 80’s triple bill Go West, Hue and Cry and The Christians on Thursday 21 November.

Explore the Grand Theatre’s new Autumn season and see what they have on offer… why not try something new?

For more information about the Grand Theatre’s new season or to book for any show, visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk.
Alternatively, call the Box Office on 01253 74 33 39

Don’t forget – Parking is available at a discounted rate at the secure West Street Car Park, directly opposite the theatre’s entrance. Book your parking ticket when you book your show tickets from the Box Office and you can have parking from 5.30pm until 12.30am for only £2.50!