Who doesn’t love a good book? And when a good book is transformed into a play you simply must see, that’s even better.

At the Grand Theatre, we always love a great story – which is why you can always find phenomenal plays to watch throughout the entire year, from musicals for the little ones to terrifying tales for the grown-ups.

Holes

5th May to 9th May 2020

Fantastic for families and young adventurers aged 8 and up, Holes tells the story of Stanley Yelnats. He finds himself accused of a crime he didn’t commit – which isn’t really a surprise, as his family is cursed with bad luck. As punishment, he’s sent to a labour camp and tasked with digging a hole every day, always five-foot wide and five-foot deep.

Although the tyrannical Warden says it’s to build character, she seems to be hiding something.

A production by the Nottingham Playhouse by Louis Sachar, presented by The Children’s Theatre Partnership and Royal & Derngate Northampton.

Little Red Riding Hood

18th April 2020

Northern Ballet brings us Little Red Riding Hood, the famous story of the kind and thoughtful little girl. The retelling of the classic fairytale provides exciting live ballet, theatre, and music as we join Little Red on her adventure. Is the Big, Bad Wolf really so big and bad?

This musical is perfect for your little ones – Northern Ballet’s productions for children include hugely successful CBeebies TV adaptations.

Educating Rita

16th March to 21st March 2020

Educating Rita is a heart-warming and hilarious comedy about Rita, a married hairdresser, enrolling on a university course that will take her on an unexpected journey. Frank, Rita’s less-than-thrilled tutor, is a brilliant academic, frustrated poet, and dedicated drunk. Although he’s reluctant to take her on at first, he soon realises they have much to teach each other.

When the play was produced in London’s West End by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), it won an Olivier Award. It was adapted into the multi-award-winning film with Julie Walters and Michael Caine.

Written by Willy Russel, one of our greatest playwrights and credited with Olivier Award-winning plays, it stars Stephen Tompkinson as Frank and introduces Jessica Johnson as Rita.

Royal Shakespeare Company

Who can forget the RSC?

Presenting a triple bill at our very own Grand Theatre in 2020 for the first time, you can enjoy The Taming of The Shrew, As You Like It, and Measure for Measure.

Join us for The Taming of the Shrew for a fresh perspective on this famous story, with a new take on hierarchy and power through a matriarchal 16th century England. As You Like It follows Rosalind in a romantic comedy of her journey to a world of exile.

And Measure for Measure tells the story of a young novice nun compromised by a corrupt official – a story over 400 years old that still remains resonant to this day. A definite must-see.

Private Peaceful

20th November 2019

Reliving the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, Private Peaceful is a story about this young First World War soldier waiting for dawn and the firing squad. He takes a look at his short but delightful life throughout the night; from his first school days to the love of his life and the path that brought him to the front line.

Private Peaceful won the Blue Peter Award ‘Book of the Year’ Award and was nominated for ‘Best Regional Theatre Production’ in WhatsOnStage Awards 2019.

Divided by love. United by war.

By The Waters of Liverpool

11th May to 13th May 2020

By The Waters of Liverpool, adapted from the million-selling book by Helen Forrester, is a period drama set in the 1930s. We follow Helen from 1935 when she was 16 years old and fighting her parents for the right to an education and to work. Her father lost his fortune in the Great Depression and they suddenly found themselves in poverty.

Liverpool becomes the chosen place to start over, however, Helen finds herself becoming an unpaid slave taking care of her siblings. When she meets a tall, strong seaman and falls in love, her fortune changes.

The Cat and The Canary

1st June to 6th June 2020
Mr West passed away 20 years ago and his descendants are gathering at a remote mansion to know who will inherit Mr West’s immense wealth and hidden family jewels. But when the heir to the fortune is revealed, a chain of macabre events is set in motion.

Directed by Roy Marsden, Bill Kenwright presents The Classic Thriller Theatre company in The Cat and The Canary by John Willard.

When the cat prowls, the flock takes fright…

Peter Pan

6th December 2019 to 5th January 2020

J M Barrie’s Peter Pan at the Grand is a special event – a pantomime full of magic and wonder!

Martin Dodd for UK Productions in association with Blackpool Grand Theatre brings you this exciting and must-see play. Whether you have little ones of your own or you simply never want to grow up, Peter Pan is perfect for a night of splendid entertainment.

Tiger Who Came to Tea

19th May to 20th May 2020

Amazing for the little ones aged 3 and above, the Tiger Who Came to Tea is an Olivier Award-nominated hit show. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary as an exciting musical play for children, it’s filled with sing-along songs, oodles of magic, and clumsy chaos.

Based on a book by Judith Kerr and directed by David Wood, this fantastic children’s play is a must-see!

Make sure to get in touch by giving our box office a call on 01253 290190 – we’re always happy to help!