Mirror Mirror on the wall, who does the best Panto of them all…? The Blackpool Grand Theatre of course!

The Grand Theatre, Blackpool celebrates! Pantomime sales have increased by over 50% in the past five years in its partnership with Martin Dodd, producer of UK Productions Ltd one of the country’s leading producer of Pantomime and touring musicals.

The Grand Theatre already has a huge hit on its hands this year with sales over 15% ahead of last year prior to its big opening night. The Grand has announced that sales have increased by over 56% in the last five year since Aladdin in 2010.

This is poignant as we can exclusively announce that The Grand’s panto for 2016/7 has gone on sale today. The show, in celebration of their announcement is ALADDIN!

Andrew Howard, Marketing Manager for The Grand said ‘We work all year round on promoting our pantomime. The moment we open this years, next year’s goes on sale due to the demand and our customers wanting to get the same seats! We are committed to working with local businesses including; Starbucks, Costa, HMV, Waterstones, local restaurants Nando’s, Pizza Express, Bella Italia and of course all the fantastic new restaurants in the town. One of our biggest supporters are the local taxi companies, they are amazing at spreading the word in the town, and this wouldn’t be possible without the help of Bill Lewtas (Secretary) of The Blackpool Licensed Taxi Operators Association (BLTOA) who not only promote the pantomime but the theatre as a whole.

The cast in this year’s hit production Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are; beloved HI-de-Hi! actress Su Pollard as the Wicked Queen, alongside Blackpool’s very own Dancing on Ice star Dan Whiston as the Prince as well as BBC Radio Lancashire and Grand panto favourite Steve Royle. Completing the line up is Millie Booth, starring as Snow White and Jamie Steen, starring as Nurse.

Martin Dodd, Producer, UK Productions Ltd said ‘We are delighted the panto goes from  strength to strength, which is testament to the great casts, creative teams, fantastic partnership with the team at The Grand Theatre and of course the beautiful Grand Theatre itself.

‘I would also like to thank the local business and most of all the audience who come back year-after-year in ever greater numbers.’

Ruth Eastwood, CEO, Grand Theatre added ‘Pantomime is one of the truly locally celebrated events that we are able to offer the people of Blackpool, Wyre, and Fylde. Working with Martin Dodd and his creative team we make a show with the locals in its heart and mind and the continuing and increasing support of our audiences must mean we are getting something right.’

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs opens tonight and runs until Sunday 3 January 2016.

Su Pollard, best known for playing chalet maid Peggy Ollerenshaw in the classic TV series Hi De Hi!, has performed on the Grand Theatre’s stage several times. She appeared in the 2008 production of Shout! alongside Claire Sweeny and took on the role of the evil Miss Hannigan in the 2011 production of Annie.

Famed for her roles in the sitcoms Hi-de-Hi!, You Rang, M’Lord? and Oh, Doctor Beeching!, Su has also had a UK No.2 hit with the song Starting Together and released her album The Collection in 2001.

More recently, Su has appeared in various TV shows such as Benidorm and Loose Women and has taken to the stage in a number of productions including Menopause the Musical, Romeo and Juliet and The Vagina Monologues.

Dan Whiston is best-known for appearing on ITV’s Dancing on Ice, taking part as a professional skater in the show for all nine series. He is the most decorated professional on the show after he and his respective partners were named Dancing on Ice Champions on three occasions (2006 with Gaynor Faye, 2010 with Hayley Tamaddon, and 2013 with Beth Tweddle).

Poulton-born Dan began his career as a skater at the tender age of seven, spending most of his early years at the Pleasure Beach’s Ice Arena before and after school. He trained professionally with Phil Winston in all areas of performance including dance, drama and singing.

His career highlights include being the lead skater in the Pleasure Beach’s Hot Ice Show, touring with Grease on Ice and Disney on Ice in North America, as well as in the European Tour of Holiday on Ice with Robin Cousins, and performing in the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing on Ice.

Daniel has also performed at the Royal Variety Performance, alongside Coldplay at the 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony, and was an associate choreographer at the Olympic and Paralympic opening and closing ceremonies that year.

Steve Royle is comedian, actor, writer and BBC Radio presenter and now in his 13^th year of Grand Theatre panto!

For over 13 years Steve could be found in the guise of Mad Edgar the court jester at Camelot theme park where he presented over 2000 Crazy Juggling Shows. He has also supported both Peter Kay and Dave Spikey on tour and was voted Entertainer of the Year at the recent Red Rose Awards.

His many TV appearances have included Phoenix Nights, Max & Paddy, That’s Entertainment (Granada), Stand-up Britain (Granada), Give Your Mate A Break (Granada), The Afternoon Show, Talk Of The North and The Things You Do For Love.

Steve is also co-founder of the Slaughterhouse- Live (“Laughter” with an “S”) character comedy nights. The group regularly perform at The Comedy Store and they were nominated in the best touring show category at the Manchester Comedy Awards, losing out to Peter Kay!

Also in this year’s panto playing Snow White, is Millie Booth. Millie is a graduate of the The Guildford School of Acting, where she gained a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre. Whilst training she played the roles of Celia in As You Like it, Milly in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Maria in West Side Story.

Since graduating Millie has played a variety of roles, including Josephine in HMS Pinafore and Belinda in Dido and Aeneas as well as sailing the seas as a principal singer with Headliners Theatre Company. Her concert performances include A Tribute to Dora Bryan at the Haymarket Theatre, London and a concert version of West Side Story at the Sheldonian Theatre, alongside Scottish tenor Nicky Spence with the Oxford Philomusica Orchestra. Most recently Millie has created the role of Guinevere in a concert performance of Red Dragon White Dragon a new musical by Nick and Tony Bicât.

Jamie Steen, is a seasoned performer with a wealth of experience in theatre and cabaret. His theatre credits include Dixieland Mintsrel Show (UK tour), Magic of the Musicals (UK tour), David Essex Gala Ball (Hilton hotels), Rock Through The Ages (UK tour), Memories and Melodies (Spa Theatre, Bridlington), Good Old Days (UK tour), Shall We Dance (UK tour), We’ll Meet Again -Diamond Jubilee Show (UK tour), and Forever in Blue Jeans (UK tour)

No stranger to pantomime, this is Jamie’s 22nd year of appearing in pantoland, one of his great loves. He has played numerous roles in many productions all over the country, including Idle Wishee Washee in Aladdin (UK tour), Granny Hood in Red Riding Hood (UK tour), Beast in Beauty and the Beast (UK tour), Prince in Snow White, Buttons in Cinderella, and Nurse Katy coughdrop in Sleeping Beauty (Broadway Theatre, Catford).

And not forgetting, Albert Wilkinson and Darren Horan who will make up two of the Seven Dwarfs starring in this years pantomime.

Albert Wilkinson is better known as “Little Albert”.  This Lancashire lad has been in show business for over forty years and his work has taken him all over the world.  He has extensive experience in films, stage and television playing anything from comedy to horror.  His film credits include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Willow, Labyrinth (with David Bowie), and the Never Ending Story.

Albert has appeared in many major theatres nationwide including the London Palladium and has appeared with Cannon and Ball, Funny Guys, Peter Kay in Is this the way to Amarillo and Max and Paddy’s keep fit video. Albert has appeared as himself in Coronation Street..

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs promises to be another UK Productions pantomime packed with incredible magic, musical hits, but above all huge laughs! It’s fun for all the family. A laugh-a-minute extravaganza, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs features stunning sets, fabulous costumes and impressive effects!

Book early to ensure you secure the best seats – and be spellbound by the spectacular Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.