Abi Collins set to wow crowds at Showzam! Carnival Ball
27 October 2015
by Visit Blackpool
One of Britain’s most in-demand and original cabaret performers is heading to Blackpool to host what promises to be the town’s most decadent night of 2016.
The ever popular Showzam! Carnival Ball returns to the world famous Tower Ballroom on Saturday, February 13th with the theme ‘Decadence Through The Ages’.
From the Roaring Twenties and the swing era to the Swinging 60s, the excess of the 80s and into a new millennium, Carnival Ball celebrates decadence through the decades.
And leading the acts on the night will be Abi Collins who returns to host the event after an unforgettable performance at Carnival Ball in 2015.
Described as a “one-woman rollercoaster of death defying stunts” Abi has built a cult following around the UK thanks to her highly skilled comic character creations.
Talking about her return to the Carnival Ball in 2016, Abi said: “I’m ecstatic to be hosting one of the best events on the calendar, in one of the most beautiful venues in the country with some of the most amazingly talented people I’ve ever met.
“2015 was a great year – my first time ever performing in the Tower Ballroom, pretty much a dream come true. The audience were just brilliant so I’m really looking forward to coming back and wowing them with a stellar line-up. It’s going to be an amazing evening.”
Appearing with Abi on the night will be Electric Swing Circus – a six-piece electro swing band whose stunning fusion of saucy 20′s swing and stomping electro beats – makes them a sure-fire floor filler.
Also packing the bill Abi has labelled “all thriller, no filler”, there is juggling joker Rod Laver – described by TV and cabaret great Paul O’Grady as “pure vaudeville” – alongside amazing aerialist Alexandra Hoffgartner.
Mr B The Gentleman rhymer, who puts a vintage slant on Acid House, joins the bill alongside Jazz diva Cocoa Malone who brings a super, smoky sassiness – her voice has been described as “hot chocolate poured over warm coals”.
Adding to the opulence is burlesque bombshell Sophia St Villier and contortionist Claudia Contortionista.
Abi, who was crowned Best Comic Act at the Milan Burlesque Award in April this year, added: “I’m making sure the show has something for everyone, a true variety experience – classic cabaret with a modern twist.
“I’ve pulled out all the stops to find the best, to bring the most unique, gifted, exceptional talent to the Tower Ballroom. I feel sure the audience will have the most fun, wonder-filled and unforgettable night.”
Now in its ninth year, Showzam! is Blackpool’s very own festival of circus and again will attract some of the best original acts from around the globe.
One of the highlights of the 2016 festival will undoubtedly be the UK debut of French circus company Akoreacro. They are currently touring Europe to sell-out crowds and will be headlining at The Blackpool Tower Circus during the festival which will be staged from February 13-20.
Michael Trainor, Artistic Director at LeftCoast, who are organising Showzam! for a second year, said: “We are putting together a wonderful line-up for 2016 and none more so than at the Carnival Ball.
“The Carnival Ball is now recognised as a not-to-be-missed night in Blackpool’s arts and entertainment calendar. Once again staged in the wonderful surroundings of Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom, Abi has put together a stellar line-up which is sure to not only wow the audience on the night but be talked about for years to come.”
Showzam! Carnival Ball will be held at Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Saturday, February 13, 2016 from 7pm.
Tickets, priced at £25 for reserved seating, can be bought by calling 01253 290190 or by going online http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/shows/performance/carnival-ball