Shows That Are Just Fantastic For Families! 10 November 2017 by Visit Blackpool Blackpool’s Grand Theatre launches its series of shows that are Fantastic For Families! Shows that are fantastic for families are top of the agenda for Blackpool’s Grand, including Rudyard Kipling’s iconic family classic The Jungle Book a colourful new adaptation by the Olivier Award-winning Jessica Swale as well as one of the most famous ballets of all time Swan Lake – A unique collaboration between the English National Ballet and English National Ballet School performed by second year students. This beautifully production, adapted for children aged three upwards. The first of our Fantastic for Families series is our renowned pantomime Cinderella (5 Dec to 7 Jan). This year’s cast includes JJ Hamblett (Union J) who will star 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’. Featuring sumptuous costumes, magnificent scenery and the unmissable and magical moment when Cinderella swaps her rags for a stunning ball gown and is transported to the Prince’s Ball. But the horrid sisters have other ideas though and wickedly tear up her invitation! All may not be lost however! With the help of her bestest friend in the whole wide world ‘Buttons’ and her magical Fairy Godmother, Cinderella does go to the ball… But she needs to be home by midnight or her true identity will be revealed! The incredible Barbara Jackson Theatre Arts Centre will return with the most amazing dancers. Book your seats today, otherwise not even your Fairy Godmother will be able to magic you a ticket to see Blackpool’s must-see Christmas show. In the New Year, following their huge success with Michael Morpurgo’s Running Wild (and Mister Tom), Children’s Touring Partnership (and Royal & Derngate, Northampton co-production) return with an exciting new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s family classic, The Jungle Book, bringing to life this colourful new show. Loved as a wild and fun tale of family, belonging and identity, this production is packed with memorable characters, new songs and brilliant storytelling. Mowgli the man cub battles for survival in this heart-warming coming-of-age story about a boy raised by wolves in the jungle. With the help of his animal friends, including Bagheera the panther, Baloo the bear and Kaa the python, Mowgli outwits the cruel and powerful tiger, Shere Khan, and learns the law of the jungle. This unforgettable adventure is adapted by the Olivier Award-winning Jessica Swale (Nell Gwynn), and directed by Max Webster (The Lorax, The Old Vic). In 2018 The Grand presents two fantastic new productions for young children in dance. The first, My First Ballet (5 and 6 May) gives children a first taste of the magical world of ballet, fantastic for families! Enjoy one of the most famous ballets of all time together, in this beautifully adapted new version for children aged three upwards. The evil magician Rothbart has turned the beautiful princess Odette into a swan; only at night can she return to human form. Will Prince Siegfried be able to save her or will he fall for Rothbart’s sorcery? This shortened version with Tchaikovsky’s wonderful music is the perfect introduction to the magic of ballet for young children. This is a unique collaboration between English National Ballet and English National Ballet School is performed by second year students of English National Ballet School. Since its creation in 2012, over 250,000 people have enjoyed the My First Ballet series. The second production not to be missed is Northern Ballet’s hugely popular Ugly Duckling (20 Jun) as it returns to the stage for the first time since 2013. Ugly Duckling is lonely and fed-up, ignored by those around her who think she is too ugly to fit in. She tries to make friends with fellow ducklings as well as with frogs, cats and even a fox, but realising she is not like any of these animals, she is left sad and alone. Follow the duckling on her journey as she overcomes her troubles and realises that she was beautiful all along. Retelling the famous Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, Ugly Duckling is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre for the first time and fantastic for families. As seen on CBeebies, Northern Ballet’s sell-out productions for children are not to be missed. Returning for yet another year, and fantastic for families, Peppa Pig (23 and 24 Jun) and friends are back in the brand new live show Peppa Pig’s Adventure! Join Peppa as she gets ready to go on an exciting camping trip to the woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. With lunch-boxes packed and Daddy Pig driving the bus, Peppa and friends are excited about their outdoor adventure, full of games, laughter and live music! The Grand’s got shows that are Fantastic For Families – why not treat someone this Christmas - it’s all wrapped up! Pop show tickets in their stockings this festive season and let them experience the joy of live theatre. Merry Christmas! For further information on all the spectacular shows available and to book tickets, visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk or call the Grand Theatre box office on 01253 290190.