Blackpool Grand Theatre is offering the opportunity for an even more diverse and exhilarating programme this season with the relaunch of the much-loved STUDIO theatre space.

The STUDIO at The Grand has previously staged countless cutting-edge artists and thought-provoking productions, which would have sacrificed their vital intensity within the theatre’s vast auditorium and thrived in its appropriately intimate performance space.

A pair of equally powerful productions will mark the official relaunch of the STUDIO at Blackpool Grand with Riot Act on Sunday 16 July and The MP, Aunty Mandy and Me on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 September.

Studio Show: Riot Act

An inspiring and hilarious celebration of queer activism across the decades that pulls absolutely no punches. It’s a riot! This solo verbatim show is created entirely out of interviews with three key players in the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement – Michael Anthony Nozzi: a survivor of the Stonewall Riots, Lavina Co-op: an alternative ‘70s drag artist, and Paul Burston: ‘90s London AIDS activist. This acclaimed audience favourite is a rip-roaring, white-knuckle ride through six decades of queer history, taking the audience right up to the present day. Tender, truthful, funny, political and personal; these are stories of sexuality, activism, addiction, family, love, sex, drag, community, conflict, identity, youth, ageing, loss, fierce queens and a Hollywood diva, all written and performed by Alexis Gregory.

Studio Show: The MP, Aunty Mandy & Me

The MP, Aunty Mandy & Me explores consent, coercion and grooming within the gay male community with biting humour and contemporary social commentary. Meet Dom. He wants more than anything else to be an #instagay #influencer, but it’s tough when no one likes your posts, you can’t find a bloke who shares your love of trains and you live with your MDMA popping, Simply Red loving mum in a small northern village five miles from the nearest gay. He’d love a fabulous life with the A-Gays in the city, but his social anxiety prevents this from being a reality. It’s all a bit of an effort. Then one day, a chance encounter with his local MP turns everything upside down. But in pursuit of the life he thinks he wants; just how much does Dom have to give up?

These two new STUDIO shows are not to be missed! Blackpool Grand Theatre Chief Executive, Adam Knight, said: “We are very excited to relaunch our Studio Shows this year, especially with two such exceptional productions that challenge the status quo and benefit from a more intimate surrounding. This extra performance area gives us the opportunity to offer an even more diverse programme that reflects the whole of our community and also offers the perfect place for workshops and events that tie in with the shows in the main theatre. Watch this space for even more unique and interesting productions and events coming up in the STUDIO and at The Grand in the future.”

Riot Act is on Sunday 16 July and The MP, Aunty Mandy & Me is on Wednesday 28 & Thursday 29 September in the STUDIO at Blackpool Grand Theatre.

For further details, full show listings and bookings please visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk or call the box office on 01253 290 190.