Blackpool News / Theatres & Shows When Cakes Go 'Grand'! 14 December 2017 by Visit Blackpool Steve Royle, star of BBC Radio Lancashire, comedian, writer, and panto veteran in his incredible 15th year at the Blackpool’s Grand, is renowned for his hilarious improvisation and surprise. One such idea came to him when interviewing YouTube Cake Master Rose [Rosie] Dummer, known for her incredible life-sized cakes and a regular on television’s Extreme Cakes. When JJ Hamblett came to the theatre for the first time in September , the Grand took the opportunity to get a huge number of photographs and measurements. The detail had to be perfect. Producer Martin Dodd of UK Productions said, ‘When I was approached I couldn’t believe it, how were we going to get a life-sized cake to be part of the show, but Andrew the Marketing Team at The Grand convinced me that we could make it work.’ Rosie Dummer said: ’The cake which consisted of over 60kg of icing and even more chocolate orange-flavoured cake mix, and took weeks of preparation and work to create. The 6ft cake is three times heavier than Union J singer JJ.’ But the mammoth task wasn’t over; the cake had to be transported through the theatre and into a waiting area while the show took place. During, the finale it took a team of six to bring the cake to the wings ready for the big reveal. When Steve Royle announced the cake, it was wheeled on stage, to the huge surprise of JJ and the audience. The ugly sisters weren’t best pleased mind, they wanted it to be them! The cake was then wheeled off by the team and put into secure storage until it’s unveiling, which will take place in Houndshill Shopping Centre. The cake will be cut up and given to residents. Producer Martin Dodd of UK Productions said, ‘It’s been a 21-year love affair with this magnificent theatre, that really is one of the jewels in this country’s theatre stock. Working alongside the amazing team at Blackpool’s Grand we have not only produced 21 pantomimes but also many musicals that have started their life in this beautiful theatre.' Blackpool’s Grand Theatre is experiencing another incredible year of pantomime this year with Cinderella starring JJ Hamblett (Union J) who stars as Prince Charming, Melanie Walters (Gavin and Stacey) as Fairy Godmother, Olivia Birchenough (Channel 5’s Milkshake) as the beautiful Cinderella and Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph returning as the Ugly Sisters all starring alongside panto favourite the incredible Steve Royle (BBC Radio Lancashire) who will be making his 15th annual appearance starring as ‘Buttons’, the same role that Roy Walker played in 1996. This year will also mark ‘Grand’ panto legend Steve Royle’s, 15th annual appearance. Royle has supported both Peter Kay and Dave Spikey on tour and was voted ‘Entertainer of the Year’ at the Red Rose Awards. Royle is also a Patron of the Friends of The Grand and works continually with the theatre on many projects. Tickets are available from blackpoolgrand.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01253 290190.