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The Grand Theatre Blackpool

George’s Marvellous Medicine - Roald Dahl

A GLORIOUSLY GRAND LINE UP FOR 2010

05-03-2010 | Author: Press Office

A MONTH BY MONTH GUIDE

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APRIL
Dreamboats and Petticoats
Mon 5 Apr to Sat 10 Apr
The ultimate British rock ‘n’ roll musical inspired by the best-selling albums. Dreamboats and Petticoats takes you back to a time when each passing week brought another classic track. Featuring songs from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury and many more. In 1961 emotions run high as talented young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win the hearts of their adoring female fans – and more importantly the gorgeous Sue. But when shy Laura shows that she’s no slouch with the piano, love and rock ‘n’ roll fame beckons… 



Matcham Monkey’s 2nd Birthday Bash
Sun 11 Apr 11am to 3pm
Another fabulous FREE family fun day to celebrate the leader of the Matcham Monkey Club’s special day. The Matcham Monkey Club at the Grand Theatre is for children aged 2 to 12 years who enjoy live show. More exciting details to be announced and invites will be sent out soon. 



Mack & Mabel
Wed 14 Apr to Sat 17 Apr
Blackpool Operatic Players
It’s 1911 and silent movie director Mack is making his latest film at the studio. Delicatessen worker Mabel Normand delivers lunch orders and she’s not leaving until she’s been paid. Mayhem ensues and she catches the eye – and the heart – of Mack. He thinks she has potential as an actress and the marvellous musical love story begins. 



Boy George Live in Concert
Sun 18 Apr
Culture Club’s flamboyant front man dances into Blackpool’s Grand for an unforgettable evening of Culture Club classics, solo hits, favourite covers and all-new material from his latest album. As the front man of one of the UK’s biggest ever pop bands, Boy George sold millions of albums worldwide and secured top 10 hits in every country with such memorable songs as Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?, Karma Chameleon, Church of the Poison Mind and Time. Now as a solo artist he remains one of the world’s most recognisable pop and fashion icons. Don’t miss one of the best soul voices and most colourful personalities Britain has ever produced live in concert! 



Stop Messing About
The Kenneth Williams Extravaganza
Mon 19 & Tues 20 Apr
From the team that brought you the hugely successful Round The Horne... Revisited comes a guaranteed laugh-a-minute evening, as Kenneth Williams’ waspish wit takes centre stage. Stop Messing About is set during a live recording, packed with outrageously funny sketches, parodies and songs, which reunited Kenneth Williams with his Carry On co-star Joan Sims and Hugh Paddick, transporting you back to a time when comedy meant being funny with scarcely a swear word in sight.
“Robin Sebastian is never less than brilliant as Williams” – Evening Standard. 



Grand Guided Tours with ‘Frank Matcham’
Wed 21 Apr
The Grand is renowned architect Frank Matcham’s masterpiece theatre, with a long and lively history. Join our very own ‘Frank Matcham’ for a behind the scenes tour. See the renovated, ornate auditorium and savour the wonders of the hidden, functional world behind the curtain. Stand on the raked stage and observe the cantilevered tiers of circles. See the stage from the wings, the machinery for changing scenes and the ‘latest lighting equipment’ in what was one of Britain’s first all-electric theatres. 



John Walker in Concert
Thurs 22 Apr
with the Dakotas plus special guests Jog The Memory
John Walker returns to the Grand following his acclaimed appearance in 2009 with the Solid Silver 60s Show. John is one of the famous Walker Brothers who recorded the famous hits No Regrets, Make It Easy On Yourself, My Ship Is Coming In and The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore and John’s solo singles include Annabella, I’ll be Your Baby Tonight, Kentucky Woman and If I Promise. John is joined once again by The Dakotas whose many hits include Do You Want To Know A Secret, Bad To Me, I'll Keep You Satisfied, From A Window and Little Children. Special guests Jog The Memory will set the mood for the evening with their sensational set of 60s &70s songs. 



Peppa Pig’s Party
Sat 24 & Sun 25 Apr
The BAFTA award-winning children's TV show is now recreated live on stage for first time featuring beautifully true-to-life puppets with visible puppeteers from the producers of the smash-hit children’s shows LazyTown Live! and Roald Dahl’s The BFG.
Today it’s a bright and sunny day and it’s a very special day. It’s Peppa Pig's birthday! Come along and join the fun with Peppa and George, Suzy Sheep, Danny Dog and Emily Elephant. This charming, original and imaginative show is full of brand new songs, muddy puddles and plenty of oinks! 



Wife Begins at Forty
Tues 27 Apr to Sat 1 May
Starring Vicki Michelle, Mark Curry, Anita Graham, Trevor Bannister, Brian Godfrey and Damian Hunt.
Opening venue prior to national tour!
Linda Harper is dissatisfied spiritually and physically with her seventeen-year marriage to the slightly staid George. However following a drunken night out, during which George recounts passionate stories involving a flamenco dancer from the top of a grand piano, Linda decides to leave but in fact, it is George who moves out. But the flames of their passion are not dead, albeit in need of a little fanning! Accompanied by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force Linda helps George put the ex back into sex in the 25th anniversary production of this delightful domestic comedy. 



The Neil Sedaka Story
Laughter in the Rain – The Musical
Mon 3 May to Sat 8 May
starring Preston’s own Wayne Smith (Grease is the Word)
This spectacular new show is based on the rise, fall and rise again of pop music’s ultimate survivor… Neil Sedaka - who has written and performed some of the world’s most beloved pop songs. Laughter in the Rain is a remarkable and inspirational tale of triumph against the odds featuring all his classic hits from Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, Oh! Carol, Calendar Girl and Stairway to Heaven to Breaking Up is Hard to Do and many more from a career spanning six decades from the innocent 50s to the cynical 70s and beyond. 



Hairy Bikers’ Night Out
Sun 9 May
Starring Simon King & Dave Myers
Join the Hairy Bikers for an evening of cooking, chatting and laughs. Simon and Dave are the stars of BBC2’s The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook, The Hairy Bikers Ride Again, The Hairy Bikers Come Home, Mum Knows Best, the Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain and The Hairy Bakers which was watched by more than four million viewers. Now the Bikers are embarking upon their first national theatre tour. Bikes and pans at the ready!



Lieutenant Columbo in Prescription Murder
Tues 11 May to Sat 15 May
Starring Dirk Benedict (The A Team, Battlestar Galactica) as Lt Columbo
and Patrick Ryecart
Iconic shambling sleuth Lieutenant Columbo is here to solve the case and save the day in Prescription: Murder – the first case ever written for him and the original stage play which became the pilot episode for the legendary TV series. Psychiatrist Roy Fleming is celebrating his wedding anniversary when he is called away with a female patient. On returning he has to soothe his angry wife with a vacation, but Fleming’s wife is soon found dead and Columbo is called in to investigate. It isn’t long before the seeds of doubt are planted in his mind…
Just one more thing… 



Tom Doughty
Fri 14 May
Studio Blues 2010 – The Lawrence House Studio
Legendary guitar master Woody Mann says: “Tom is one of the most original new artists I have heard in a long time. With his unique approach to guitar and his vocal interpretations of traditional and his original tunes, he has managed to create music that is all his own. His playing and vocal style comes from that natural place great music comes from – personal expression, honest and right from the heart. The music just flows.” 



Some Enchanted Evening
Sun 16 May
Join us for a wonderful evening of music from the best of Rodgers and Hammerstein presented by Mark Langley with soloists Marilyn Hill, Jeni Bern, Louise Crane, Jeremy Peaker and Andrew Forbes Lane. Enjoy evocative stories and some of the most passionate music ever written including Cinderella, State Fair, Allegro and the Flower Drum Song and pieces from The Sound of Music, The King and I, Oklahoma!, South Pacific and Carousel. 



Hi-de-Hi
Mon 17 May to Sat 22 May
Starring Barry Howard (Hi-de-Hi), Peter Amory (Emmerdale), Damian Williams (Are You Smarter Than Your 10 Year Old), Nikki Kelly (Hi-de-Hi) and Abigail Finley (How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?)
Good evening campers! Get ready for two hours of hilarious holiday camp antics in an exciting new stage production of Hi-de-Hi with two original cast members from the legendary TV show which became a British institution during its nine series. Maplins is open for business once again and all the old favourites are here from cheeky Camp Host Ted Bovis and refined Entertainment Manager Jeffrey Fairbrother to madcap Chalet Maid Peggy Ollerenshaw from housekeeping. Book your holiday dates in now! 



Grand Guided Tours with ‘Frank Matcham’
Fri 21 May 



Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Tues 25 May to Sat 29 May
Blackpool & Fylde Light Opera Company
A tale as old as time, Disney's multi-award winning musical is one of the most popular and enchantingly romantic fables ever told. Beauty and the Beast tells the story of a selfish prince placed under a spell and turned into a monstrous Beast by an elderly women he refused to give shelter to. If he is not shown true love by his twenty-first birthday the prince will remain a Beast forever! Belle is a girl who wishes for a life outside of her small-town village. When her father is imprisoned by the Beast, Belle goes to save him. Over time Belle and the Beast become closer and closer until they fall in love. But the he-man of the village, Gaston, is also in love with Belle and flies into a jealous rage. Will Gaston have the Beast killed? Or will Belle and the Beast prince live happily ever after? 



Tap Dance Fever
Tues 1 June to Thurs 3 June
Tap Dance Fever takes the audience on a whistle stop tour of the greatest tap dance moments in show business history. Starting in the era when Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were the stars of the day, the show tap dances its way through history, thrilling and exciting audiences with the vibrant tap dance styles that have entertained generations. Packed full of high energy, adrenalin-driven tap dance styles that have entertained generations including highlights from 42nd Street, Singing in the Rain, A Chrous Line, Tap Dogs, Stomp and many more. 



One Night in Vegas
Sat 5 June
Viva Las Vegas! With beautiful dancing girls, spectacular costumes, big band swing and powerful musical numbers, One Night in Vegas has been wowing audiences with dazzling lights and special effects. If you like it big, glitzy and glamorous then this show is for you! Starring the outstanding singer/songwriter Martyn Lucas with his grand piano and spectacular songs from hit musicals Phantom of the Opera, Lion King, Copacabana and Dreamgirls; classics from Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Elton John, Elvis, Barry Manilow and a special appearance from Michael Jackson. Accompanied by musicians from the world acclaimed British Philharmonic Orchestra. 



An Audience with Sally Morgan
Sun 6 June
Star psychic Sally Morgan is touring the UK once again by popular demand direct from her new smash hit TV series Psychic Sally: On The Road. Dare you miss her live? She may just have a message for you... Sally Morgan is one of Britain’s most loved psychics and has become a household name following her smash-hit TV series’ Sally Morgan Star Psychic and Psychic to the Stars and her two books My Psychic Life and Healing Spirits. 



NIGHTFRIGHT
Mon 7 June to Sat 12 June
Starring Paul Opacic (Emmerdale, Bad Girls) and Ben Roberts (The Bill)
Frank and Jenny Gilman think they have found their dream home – a converted chapel in a quiet country village. The dream soon turns to a nightmare, however, as they are attacked by intruders who seem, for some reason, to be only interested in the contents of the deep freezer. Why is their spade covered in blood? To whom do the blood stained clothes in the chimney belong? Frank and Jenny investigate and the true horror of their situation soon emerges in this taut and exciting, yet often darkly hilarious, thriller. 



Grand Guided Tours with ‘Frank Matcham’
Fri 18 June 



Dad’s Army Marches On
Mon 21 June to Sat 26 June
Starring Leslie Grantham (EastEnders) as Pte Walker
In commemoration of Veterans’ Week 2010
The boys are back in town! Dad’s Army is returning to the stage with a brand new adaptation of the classic wartime TV sitcom to celebrate 70 years of the Home Guard. The same team who cleverly breathed life into last year’s The Lost Episodes are dusting down their uniforms and polishing their medals to bring these much-loved characters back to Blackpool. This heart-warming treat for the whole family has been specially programmed to coincide with the resort’s remembrance celebrations. Sign up now for an evening of nostalgic pleasure and madcap mayhem with the would-be heroes of the fictional South Coast town of Walmington-on-Sea. 



The Little Big Club Live in Concert
Sun 27 June
Starring Barney, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Pingu, Fifi Forget-me-Not and Fireman Sam
This brand new singing and dancing stage show brings together an ensemble of the world’s most popular and best loved preschool characters for the very first time in one exciting adventure. The 90 minute theatrical and musical extravaganza offers a magical experience younger members of the family will never forget. 



Murdered to Death
Mon 28 June to Sat 3 July
Starring Graham Cole (The Bill) and Sandra Dickinson (Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy)
This wonderfully funny comedy thriller is a hilarious spoof of an Agatha Christie whodunit with side-splitting antics and ever-increasing merriment and confusion. Set in a country manor house in the glorious 1930s, the colourful cast of characters include Bunting the Butler and his stiff upper lipped employer Charles Craddock, a bumbling local inspector, a shady French art dealer, a high society debutante and the well-meaning local sleuth Miss Maple. Following the mysterious death of the house’s owner will the murderer be unmasked before everyone else has met their doom? Or will the audience die laughing first? 



Blackpool Teen Fiction Book of the Year Awards
Fri 2 July
The Lawrence House Studio
This celebration of teenagers’ reading is planned and run by young people from all of Blackpool’s secondary schools. Having read 25 recently published novels aimed at teenagers, the pupils will announce the winning books on the day and hear readings from the winning authors. There will also be a chance to review the books, meet the authors and an authors’ book signing session. 



Au Revoir Review ‘10
Mon 12 July to Wed 14 July
Presented by Blackpool Music Service
Following the success of last year’s Au Revoir Review, this unique celebration once again offers a magical opportunity for Year 6 children in Blackpool primary schools to mark the completion of their primary education with a performance on the Grand stage. Over the three evenings, children from across the town will showcase and celebrate their talents and achievements and bid a fond farewell to the schools that have given them their foundations for life. Like its older brother Schools Alive, each Au Revoir Review will be a memorable experience for both students and audiences alike! 



A Servant to Two Masters
Thurs 15 July
Premiere of Grand Youth Theatre Company
Prior to its run at the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Grand Youth Theatre Company takes to the main stage at the Grand for the very first time with Carlo Goldoni’s classic 18th Century commedia A Servant To Two Masters which serves up an evening of fun and frolics in this traditional farce. In a new translation by Lee Hall and now set in the 1960s, confusion abounds in Goldini’s comedy of disguise, deception, love and longing as Truffaldino tries to please all. 



Ken Dodd Happiness Show
Sat 17 July
Ken Dodd OBE is once again leaving the Diddy Men in the Jam Butty Mines of Knotty Ash to bring his famous Happiness Show. An evening full of plumptiousness is promised from Professor Chucklebutty, who has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the prestigious British Comedy Awards and also features in the Guinness Book of Records for telling 1,500 jokes in three and a half hours. That’s more than seven jokes a minute! 



Keeping Up Appearances
Mon 19 July to Sat 24 July
With an all-star cast to be announced
The Bucket residence! The lady of the house speaking…
You are cordially invited to join Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced Bouquet!), husband Richard, sisters Rose and Daisy, slobbish brother-in-law Onslow, nervous neighbour Elizabeth and her musical brother Emmet for a hilarious evening of social climbing gone awry in this fabulous new stage production of BBC TV’s hugely successful comedy. 



Grand Guided Tours with ‘Frank Matcham’
Fri 22 July 



The Gruffalo
Tues 27 & Wed 28 July
This magical musical adaptation of the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffer has been performed over 4000 times to over a million people the world over. Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood and meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maraca-shaking, party-mad Snake! Mouse can scare these hungry animals away with tall tales of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined… 



Rock Around The Clock
Thurs 5 Aug to Sun 8 Aug
It’s time to Shake, Rattle and Roll all the way back to the fantastic 50s! Travel back to the time of Teddy Boys, quiffs, brylcreem, poodle skirts and blue suede shoes. Featuring a phenomenal cast of over 20 singers, dancers and musicians; Rock Around The Clock is a non-stop hit parade of rock ‘n’ roll classics that is guaranteed to leave you dancing into the night with unforgettable songs such as Great Balls of Fire, Jailhouse Rock, Blueberry Hill, Da Do Ron Ron, Johnny B Goode and many more. 



Oklahoma!
Tues 10 Aug to Sat 14 Aug
Starring West End legend Marti Webb and Mark Evans (BBC’s Your Country Needs You)
Oh What A Beautiful Mornin’! Rodgers and Hammerstein’s barnstorming musical rides into town this summer. Set against America’s Western Frontier, against a background of conflict between farmers and cattlemen, Oklahoma! perfectly integrates song, dance and story to tell the tale of farm girl Laurey and the two rivals for her affections – happy-go-lucky cowboy Curly and the sinister farmhand Jud, with a wonderful score of songs such as The Surrey With The Fringe on Top, People Will Say We’re In Love, Many A New Day, I Caint Say No and the final rousing chorus of Oklahoma! 



Grand Guided Tours with ‘Frank Matcham’
Fri 20 Aug 



Ken Dodd Happiness Show
Sun 26 Sep 



The Armstrong and Miller Show Live
Sun 3 Oct
Following the resounding success of BBC One’s BAFTA-nominated Armstrong & Miller Show; hilarious comedy duo Ben Miller (Moving Wallpaper) and Alexander Armstrong (Mutual Friends, Life Begins) will be live at Blackpool’s Grand for one night only with their usual mix of the beautifully observed and the utterly barmy; including the street-talking WWII chav pilots; Brabbins and Fyffe - the filthy alter-egos of Flanders and Swann; Jilted Jim - dumped at the altar but still on his honeymoon; Terry Devlin - the royal correspondent who really KNOWS the royals; Dennis Lincoln-Park - the accident-prone culture buff; the Frank Dad; and so many more… 



Ken Dodd Happiness Show
Sun 10 Oct, Sun 17 Oct, Sun 24 Oct & Sun 7 Nov 



Vampires Rock
Thurs 11 Nov 
Starring Steve Steinman
A musical rock theatre spectacular like no other with a hint of comedy and jam-packed with the greatest anthems you know and love. Steve Steinman plays the supremely evil Baron Von Rockula owner of the Live and Let Die Club. In search of a new bride the Baron must convince the unsuspecting Pandora who auditions for the new singing position, to cross over to the dark side and live forever in rock ‘n’ roll hell. Steve and a full cast of superb singers, dancers and a formidable band blast their way through some of the greatest ever rock anthems including We Will Rock You, Bat Out Of Hell, Highway to Hell, Since You’ve Been Gone and more! 



La Bohème
Fri 12 Nov
Presented by Co-Opera Company
Whether this is your first taste of Puccini’s masterpiece or you are a connoisseur of his tragic yet beautiful opera, you will adore this celebration of all things youthful. William Relton’s inspired direction takes you on a heart-breaking journey, while Puccini’s glorious melodies echo the innocence and petulance, the passion and despair, the optimism and loss which are the potent ingredients in this classic tale of love. 



Marriage of Figaro
Sat 13 Nov
Presented by Co-Opera Company
Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro has often been referred to as one of the three perfect ‘popular’ operas. Its heady mix of comedy and pathos, lust and love, betrayal and social intrigue is every bit as powerful and relevant today as it was in the 18th century. 



Roald Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine
Tues 16 Nov to Sat 20 Nov
Roald Dahl’s amazing story about a young boy who makes a marvellous new medicine to cure his grandmother is one of his funniest and most exciting stories. When George’s grandmother drinks his special new potion the most incredible things start to happen and George’s adventure has just begun! If you’re looking for fizztickling fun and whizzpopping magic for all the family, then don’t miss this brand new adaptation. 



Aladdin – the pantomime
Fri 3 Dec 2010 to Sun 2 Jan 2011
Starring Steve Royle (BBC Radio Lancashire) and full star cast to be announced
This year’s fun-filled family panto will star the hilarious Steve Royle (BBC Radio Lancashire) as Wishee Washee with a full star line–up to be announced. This year’s classic Arabian fantasy Aladdin from UK Productions is jam-packed with music and dance, fun and laughter for all the family. Fabulous costumes, lavish sets and hilarious storyline with laughs, bravery and love with, of course, the dream that Aladdin will marry his very own beautiful princess. 



Christmas Concert with Carols
Mon 20 Dec
Poulton-le-Fylde Band, formed in 1874, provides entertaining concerts and can regularly be seen at local Gala and Club Days. Recent prize-winning performances have been rewarded with promotion to the Championship Section where the Band will compete alongside the countries top Brass Bands. A thriving Youth Band ensures that the future is full of promise, as the Band continues to develop. Returning to The Grand this year will once again be one of the highlights of the Band’s busy festive season. 



For full 2009 show information and bookings please call the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 290190, click on the website www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk or visit the Grand Theatre information sales point in the Houndshill Shopping Centre. 



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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!

Ends…


Notes for Editors:
For further press information, images or review tickets please call:
Sarah Jane Wright
Press Officer
Grand Theatre, Blackpool
01253 743252
Email: sarahjane@blackpoolgrand.co.uk