With a capacity of almost 3,000, the Opera House Blackpool is one of the largest theatres in the UK and indeed Europe, also boasting one of the largest stages. Some of the greatest stars of the past including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Bob Hope have performed on the stage as have today’s biggest names like Peter Kay, One Direction and Gary Barlow.
Many of the most popular touring shows have visited including ‘Joseph’, ‘Grease’, ‘Cats’ and ‘Priscilla Queen Of The Desert’ and the venue hosted the Royal Variety Peformance in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1955 and 2009.
There are so many phenomenal shows being performed on this historic stage during 2019, and here is just a selection:
Greenday's American Idiot
05 March 2019 - 09 March 2019
Returning to mark the show’s 10th anniversary and the 15th anniversary of the Grammy Award winning original album. Starring singer-songwriter Luke Friend (X-Factor), Tom Milner (The Voice and Waterloo Road) and introducing Sam Lavery as Whatsername.
Winner of two Tony Awards® and the 2010 Grammy Award winner for Best Musical Show Album, American Idiot is the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9/11 world. The show features the music of Green Day with the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong and book by Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Mayer. This thrilling musical has had Green Day fans in rapture and introduced a generation of theatregoers to their powerful and moving musical style.
Blood Brothers
23 April 2019 - 27 April 2019
BLOOD BROTHERS tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.
Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning BLOOD BROTHERS. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (The Daily Mail).
Manford Comedy Festival
Friday 10th – Sunday 12th May
Jason Manford & Friends will open the Friday 10 May event. The show, hosted by Jason Manford, will feature Britain’s Got Talents Daliso Chaponda, popular Irish comedian David O’Doherty and headlined by 8 Out of 10 Cats star comedian Sean Lock.
Saturday 11 May will see John Bishop & Friends take to the Opera House stage. Hosted by comedy superstar John Bishop, the show will feature stand-up legend Mick Miller, BBC’s Mock the Week’s Milton Jones, plus many more.
Further announcements will be made in the coming weeks as more events are confirmed at the Winter Gardens Blackpool.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
28 May 2019 - 01 June 2019
Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me.
Rocky Horror Show
24 June 2019 - 29 June 2019
Directed by Christopher Luscombe and featuring timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic-thrusting Time Warp, The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet.
When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter.
It’s an adventure they’ll never forget…
Rock of Ages
02 July 2019 - 06 July 2019
This hilarious musical comedy features the songs, including We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Here I Go Again, Can’t Fight this Feeling and I Want To Know What Love Is, played loud and proud by an awesome live band.
WARNING: CONTAINS SERIOUS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL DEBAUCHERY!
Now a global smash with extensive runs in London’s West End, on Broadway and in Las Vegas, the show has also been made in to a star studded Hollywood movie.
Little Miss Sunshine
06 August 2019 - 10 August 2019
The Hoover family has more than a few troubles, but young Olive has her heart set on winning the Little Miss Sunshine beauty contest. When an invitation to compete comes out of the blue, the Hoovers must pile into their rickety, yellow VW camper van. Can it survive the 800-mile trip from New Mexico to California – and more importantly, can they? This inventive and uplifting musical celebrates the quirks of every family, the potholes in every road, and the power of overcoming our differences.
Doctor Dolittle The Musical
03 September 2019 - 14 September 2019
Join the eccentric Doctor, his human companions and his exotic menagerie of animal friends on an extraordinary adventure to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail, that holds the secret of life and making the world a happier place. With help from the Pushmi-Pullyu and his trusty sidekick Polynesia the parrot, the larger-than-life Doctor Dolittle teaches us not only to talk to the animals but to listen to them as well!
Based on the popular 1967 film with Rex Harrison, this stage version has music, book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. From the producers of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, this production promises stunning visual puppetry and fun for all the family.
Kinky Boots The Musical
01 October 2019 - 12 October 2019
With songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots takes you from the factory floor to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the shoe factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola – a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.
Inspired by true events, this joyous story of Brit grit to high-heeled hit is the ‘Freshest, most fabulous, feel-good musical of the decade ’ – The Hollywood News. It’s the ultimate fun night out for you and your loved ones, so book now and experience the energy, joy and laughter of this dazzling show.
For a full list of shows at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, please visit their website here.