The Grand Theatre has announced a stunning programme of productions from October through to Spring 2013, which includes the National Theatre’s One Man Two Guvnors, Jim Cartwright’s Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Opera and Ballet International’s Tosca and Carmen, the Russian State Ballet and The Grand’s incredible pantomime Cinderella starring Emmerdale’s Danny Miller!

Neil Thomson, General Manager said, “We hope that the Grand Theatre’s new season will demonstrate our continued dedication to a diverse programme for our patrons. We have embarked upon an ambitious programme of quality from the National Theatre, Opera and Ballet International, Raymond Gubbay and The Original Theatre Company.

It has been an exciting year for The Grand, as the theatre gained National Portfolio Status from The Arts Council England in April. This funding is used to develop The Grand as a regional centre of excellence for contemporary dance. Funding has allowed us to broaden our programming horizons and appeal to new audiences.

We hope that you will relish in our eclectic new season programme. We continue to experience an economic recession but with your support we can ‘weather the storm’ and look forward to success in the future. May I also remind patrons that you can now choose your own seats online on our new website at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/whatson”

The season opens with the explosive contemporary dance triple bill by 12 Degrees North, introducing work by three leading choreographers, Alesandra Seutin, Gary Clarke and Antonia Grove. 12 Degrees North will be at The Grand on Wednesday 7 November. The next contemporary dance piece in the new season is Champloo’s White Caps on Sunday 18 November. White Caps is a breath-taking multi-media performance which cleverly fuses skilful dance and cinematic film.

As well as contemporary dance, the theatre also has a variety of spectacular award-winning ballet performances. For a magical Christmas treat, Ballet Theatre UK presents the enchanting depiction of a Dickensian classic A Christmas Carol on Tuesday 13 November. To sooth those winter blues once the excitement of Christmas is over, three spectacular ballets are presented by The Russian State Ballet. See the delightful tale of Coppelia on Friday 11 January, the most famous of fantasy ballets The Nutcracker on Saturday 12 January and the greatest romantic ballet of all time, Swan Lake on Sunday 13 January.

The Grand Theatre prides itself on presenting some of the UK’s best quality productions including Jim Cartwright’s heart-warming northern fairytale The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. It will take to the stage from Monday 19 to Saturday 24 November, bringing with it sparkling comedy and a plethora of multi-talented star performers including national treasure, Beverley Callard (Liz McDonald- Coronation Street). Beverley will be joined by Ray Quinn (X-Factor, Dirty Dancing and Grease) Duggie Brown from The Comedians and multi-talented actress and impressionist Jess Robinson.

Top of the season’s bill has to be the National Theatre returning with the hilarious, not to be missed One Man Two Guvnors, with local starlet Jodie Prenger and comedian Rufus Hound, from Tuesday 27 November to Saturday 1 December. Holed up at The Cricketers’ Arms, the permanently ravenous Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a second job with one Stanley Stubbers, who is hiding from the police and waiting to be re-united with Rachel. To prevent discovery Francis must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple.

Sebastian Faulk’s captivating Birdsong will glide into The Grand from Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 February, presented by The Original Theatre Company and Birdsong Productions Ltd. Allow yourself to be whisked away with this mesmerising story of love, courage and sacrifice.

Fairies, lovers, hapless actors a disapproving father and of course oodles of theatrical magic…it must be A Midsummer Nights Dream! Sell a Door presents this spellbinding Shakespearean tale on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 March.

Stop Press! Soon to be announced Danny Dyer and Natalie Cassidy will star in the brand new stage version of Alfie! Alfie is set in the early sixties as London wakes up to what the new decade will bring; rock and roll, sexual liberation and birds amongst the many delights. Leading the way is Alfie…

For a festive musical spectacular don’t miss Beyond the Barricade at Christmas on Tuesday 11 December. The show recreates original West End /Broadway musical hit songs with amazing authenticity and features a cast of past principal performers form the West End production of Les Miserables.

If it’s opera that you enjoy then step this way! Once upon a time one of the world’s best loved fairy tales comes to stunning life at the Grand Theatre, in the magical opera Hansel and Gretel. Co-Opera Co presents this classic tale for one night only on Friday 1 February.

Get ready for an explosion of love and treachery and the most seductive opera ever written- Opera and Ballet International are back with two sensational operas Tosca and Carmen. 

Puccini’s Tosca comes to the Grand for one night only on Sunday 10 March. Tosca will feature a magnificent huge Golden Eagle live in the auditorium. Following Tosca on Monday 11 March is Bizet’s dramatic and sensuous opera Carmen, which tells the tale of the downfall of soldier Don Jose, who is seduced by the fiery and beautiful Carmen.

The Grand Theatre’s commitment to Education and the Community continues throughout the new season. November sees the brilliant African Music Night on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 November and Lytham Community Choir on Sunday 25 November. On Tuesday 18 December Poulton Band will be getting everyone into the festive spirit with Grand Christmas Concert with Carols.

In partnership with Blackpool Schools and Blackpool Council Music Service, the Grand Theatre is delighted to present Schools Alive from Monday 11 to Thursday 14 February. Later on in February amateur company Fame School of the Arts present the ultimate musical Gypsy from Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 February. To top off the community performances in the new season, The Works will exhibit young talent from Phil Winston’s Theatreworks from Friday 22 to Saturday 23 March.

The Grand Theatre’s core aim is to offer a wide variety of shows aimed at children and young people. The biggest is the star-studded Christmas pantomime Cinderella! The world’s best loved fairytale Cinderella is coming to The Grand Theatre from Friday 7 December 2012 to Sunday 6 January 2013 starring Emmerdale’s Danny Miller in his first ever panto!

Emmerdale heartthrob Danny Miller will be joined by Grand Theatre favourite Steve Royle, Amy Thompson (Channel 5’s Milkshake) and Radio Wave’s Hayley Kay. Music, dance, a fairy godmother, a handsome prince, a glass slipper, two ugly sisters and a star-studded cast- it will all be there in Cinderella…oh yes it will! Children and adults alike will be in for an evening of enchantment, fun and laughter with the enchanting Cinderella- so what are you waiting for? Your carriage awaits!

On Saturday 2 February Milkshake Live! will be taking to the stage! Milkshake! Is an all singing, all dancing live stage show starring Milkshake! Favourites Little Princess and Scruff, Noddy, Tessie Bear, Roary and Big Chris, Fifi and Bumble and B1 and B2- the Bananas in pyjamas. The Nightingale from the acclaimed Horse + Bamboo will be entertaining children on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 February.

We all want to meet Horrible Histories from Wednpeople from history? Well it’s time to prepare yourselves for The Terrible Tudors and The Vile Victorians from acclaimed touring company Horrible Histories…bringing history to gory life! You can see the show from Wednesday 13 to Sunday 17 March.

Children’s Ballet is always popular so The Grand is delighted to present Ugly Duckling, a ballet brought to you by Northern Ballet on Tuesday 26 March.

If you love comedy then the Grand Theatre has some fantastic comedy events coming up for you this season! You can enjoy a night of hilarious antics and non-stop laughter with the edgy, Fosters Comedy Award-winning comedian, Russell Kane. His brand new show, Posturing Delivery, promises to be a night of hilarity like no other on Friday 9 November.

On Monday 12 November, the UK wide search for the best stand-up talent for BBC Radio 2’s New Comedy Awards will culminate in a live, hour-long final at The Grand, hosted by dazzlingly charming comedian and television personality, Patrick Kielty. He will be joined by a panel of esteemed comedy judges – including the nations favourite Stephen K Amos – to cast judgement before they hand over to the public who will cast the final vote. A brilliant night of comedy!

The Grand Theatre’s Programme Manager, Phil Harrison said “we always strive to bring the best available touring productions to the Grand. Be it one nighters, week long shows or pantomime, we believe we are offering a choice of live entertainment which caters for our loyal audiences tastes”.

Whether you love opera, quality drama, dance, comedy or variety, with the diversity of the Grand Theatre’s brand new season, there really is something for everyone!

Don’t miss out on an incredible season at the Grand Theatre this year. To book for any show you can book your tickets and choose your own seats on the Grand Theatre’s brand new website at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/whatson. Alternatively call the Box Office on 01253 74 33 39.