I Want Something Just Like This… The Grand Theatre, Blackpool announces an exciting new programme of shows for Autumn/ Winter 2017. With an incredible line-up of drama, musicals, dance, opera, music and comedy – there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

This seasons highlight is the most enchanting rags-to-riches fairy tales of them all: Cinderella. With an all-star cast including JJ Hamblett (Union J) who will star as Prince Charming, Melanie Walters (Gavin and Stacey) as Fairy Godmother, Olivia Birchenough (Channel 5’s Milkshake) as the beautiful Cinderella and Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph returning as the Ugly Sisters alongside panto favourite the incredible Steve Royle (BBC Radio Lancashire) who will be making his 15th annual appearance starring as ‘Buttons,’ it’s sure to be a Christmas to remember!

Marketing Manager Andrew Howard said,

‘We have an incredible Season ahead with family highlights as Cinderella, The Jungle Book, Tiger Who Came to Tea, top west end and hits Thriller Live, STOMP, Legally Blonde The Musical and great new touring productions, 20^th Century Boy and Son of A Preacher Man directed and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood.

‘I Want Something Like This is what we continually ask the audience – A production I am personally looking forward to is The Jungle Book created by the same team behind Michael Morpurgo’s Running Wild. This exciting and colourful new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s family classic is a must-see! Loved as a wild and fun tale of family, belonging and identity, this production is packed with memorable characters, new songs and brilliant storytelling.’

This New Season welcomes Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine in a first major revival of this national treasure about a Liverpool housewife who wonders where her life has disappeared to. Stars local Jodie Prenger.

There’s even more of the drama you love … Chris Ellison (The Bill and Burnside) Sophie Ward (ITV’s Heartbeat), Robert Duncan (Drop the Dead Donkey), Deborah Grant (Not Going Out and Bergerac), Shirley Anne Field (The Entertainer), Antony Costa (Blue) and Ben Nealon (Soldier Soldier) star in A Judgement in Stone, a story that unravels a lifetime of deceit and cover-ups which, when revealed, brings a shocking revelation almost as grizzly as murder itself.

The smash hit Broadway and West End Musical Legally Blonde based on the best loved movie follows beautiful and popular sorority sister Elle Woods who loves to be pampered and is passionate about pink. Starring Rita Simons (BBC’s Eastenders) Lucie Jones, (Rent, Les Miserables, Ghost, We Will Rock You, X Factor) and Bill Ward (Emmerdale, Coronation Street).

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia will also make a welcome return with three stunning ballet favourites this Christmas: Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and The Snow Maiden.

Top class entertainment will be top of the bill with highlights including … Thriller LIVE. Seen by over 4 million people in over 30 countries, Thriller LIVE continues to moonwalk around the world, taking you on a visual, audio and electrifying journey through the magic of Michael’s 45-year musical history.

Jason Manford will be delighting audiences once again! Muddle Class promises to feature a wealth of new material about Jason growing up ‘working class’ then finding, over the years, that part of him has become ‘middle class’ – causing much confusion! Delivered with Jason’s amiable charm and captivating wit, this is a show not to be missed.

When we ask customer what they wanted in music they replied ‘I want something Like This…’ so in the Autumn/ Winter season our programme will include: The Chicago Blues Brothers, T-Rextasy, Purple Rain – a Celebration of Prince, The Simon and Garfunkel Story, Solid Gold Rock ‘n’ Roll starring original ‘dreamboats’, Marty Wilde, Eden Kane, Mike Berry and The Wildcats, as well as very special guest Mark Wynter, 80s Triple Header with three critically acclaimed legends of the 80s: Midge Ure with his Band Electronica, The Christians and Altered Image featuring Clare Grogan, ‘The Godfather of British Blues’ John Mayall, incredible celebration shows: Someone Like You, Fast Love, Message in a Bottle, Some Guys Have all The Luck, A Country Night in Nashville and Lipstick on Your Collar, Rock ‘n’ Roll legend Joe Brown, Beyond The Barricade, and the return of the amazing ELO Again.

Grand Theatre Chief Executive Ruth Eastwood said,

‘The Grand is more than just a beautiful building presenting great shows.  As an independent charity, we work hard to fulfill our educational and social responsibilities: we deliver learning and development programmes across Blackpool and the Fylde.  We work with schools, children and families, older people and people with additional needs.  We do this, not just to increase enjoyment and understanding of the arts, but to help improve literacy, numeracy and confidence.  So, a ticket for the Grand Theatre it isn’t just a ticket for a great night out, it’s part of helping to put theatre – and the amazing benefits it can bring – at the heart of our community.’

For more information about The Grand’s New Season

Visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk

Or call the Box Office on 01253 290 190