Blackpool’s Grand Theatre in association and Internationally renowned producer Martin Dodd for UK Productions will be presenting for the very first time Beauty and The Beast as this year’s panto.

The Grand is delighted to announce that National Television Award Winner ‘Best Newcomer’ Danny Walters will play the part of The Prince (Beast) in this year’s spectacular pantomime. In May 2017, it was announced Walters would be appearing in the award-winning BBC soap opera, EastEnders, as a regular character Keanu Taylor.

Before his soap debut, Walters was best known for playing stroppy teenager Tiger Dyke in hit ITV comedy Benidorm, after studying for one year at the London School of Musical Theatre. The Harlow-born star landed the role as Tiger Dyke in 2014, which he held for three years until 2017.

He made guest appearances in the BAFTA-nominated BBC mini-series Our World War and the BBC series Call The Midwife, in 2014 and 2016, retrospectively.

Walters said of his role and visit to Blackpool’s Grand ‘I’m so excited to announce I will be in Blackpool this Christmas at The Grand Theatre’s pantomime Beauty and the Beast – don’t miss what’s sure to be an incredible show. I can’t wait!’

Joining Walters at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre this year is not one, but two radio legends, Steve Royle from BBC Radio Lancashire who will play Louis La Plonk and local broadcaster Hayley Kay from Radio Wave returns as the Magical Fairy Bon Bon.

This year will be Royle’s 16th year in pantomime at Blackpool’s Grand. Royle has supported both Peter Kay and Dave Spikey on tour and was voted ‘Entertainer of the Year’ at the Red Rose Awards.

Hayley Kay is delighted to be returning to what she considers her theatre home. Having a wealth of broadcasting experience with over 15 years at the station. Kay is a well-known presenter at events across the Fylde Coast including the Blackpool 10K Fun Run, Education Awards, Illumination Switch On, NHS Awards, Santa Dash, Miss Blackpool, Trinity’s Illumathon and this year she hosted Lytham Festival.  She’s also hosted School’s Alive at The Grand Theatre since 2002 and works for various local charities; she is also a proud ambassador for the Blackpool Carers Centre, Blackpool Scouts & Girlguiding UK.

Nick Wilton will play this year’s Dame. Wilton has appeared at The Grand on more than one occasion in pantomime. Wilton is best known for playing Mr Lister in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.

The incredible dancing stars of Barbara Jackson Theatre Arts Centre will also return with choreography by the incredible Katie Hill.

Belle is dreaming of a happier life but finds herself transported to a cursed castle. Held imprisoned by a hideous beast, under a spell by an evil enchantress.

Can Belle see beyond the beast and fall in love with her captor before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose? Will the Beast’s selfishness cost him the world he once knew and the hand of the girl who has melted his heart? Featuring sumptuous costumes, magnificent scenery and the unmissable and magical transformation moment, it’s a pantomime not to be missed.

Producer Martin Dodd for UK Productions said ‘For our 23^rd pantomime at the Grand Theatre we are delighted to be launching our new title Beauty and the Beast. Containing all the elements that we know Blackpool audiences will love, including lots of comedy, spectacle and music, EastEnders and Benidorm star Danny Walters, of course the hilarious Steve Royle and the welcome return of Radio Waves very own Hayley Kay as our magical Fairy we are confident that it will be a hot ticket this Christmas.’

Blackpool audiences are guaranteed another year of spectacular sets, dazzling costumes and side-splitting comedy. Book your seats today to see Blackpool’s must-see Christmas show in 2018.

Beauty and The Beast is presented by Martin Dodd for UK Productions whom have been presenting the Christmas pantomime at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre since 1996. Other productions presented at The Grand by UK Productions include; Legally Blonde the Musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast The Musical, The Kite Runner, 42^nd Street, South Pacific, Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma!, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Anything Goes.

Adults: Band A & B £24, Band C £19

Child: Band A £24, Band B £22, Band C £17

Concessions: No discounts on Band A or C performances, Band B £2 off Top Priced Adult Ticket

Grand Friends:                  Band B & C performances – All seats £19

Matcham Monkey:                  Sat 8 & Sun 9 December All seats £13

Family Ticket:                     £77.00* (See Stars) – FAMILY4TKT

Senior Pass:                        £67.00* (See Stars) – SENIOR4TKT

Groups (20+):

Band A                  No Discounts

Band B                  All tickets £17. Pay in full by 31 Oct and get £2 Discount

Band C                  All tickets £13.50. Pay in full by 31 Oct and get £2 Discount

Schools                 As Above – One free teachers place with every 10 tickets PURCHASED

Audio Described/Signed Performancess: Sat 8 and 15 December, 2pm

Book your tickets via our website by clicking here or call our Box Office on 01253 290190.