The Grand Theatre has revealed its new season programme, featuring compelling drama from The Royal Shakespeare Company, English Touring Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe, music from X Factor’s Joe McElderry and The Drifters, breathtaking dance from Rugby World Cup Ceremony Choreographer James Wilton and a unique Hip Hop Festival direct from Sadler’s Wells London!

Watch our New Season trailer here! http://youtu.be/qB_0mUnU_-I 

Drama lovers will discover a feast for the eyes and ears this season, starting with one of the world’s greatest love stories ever told Eternal Love. This thought-provoking and passionate play is based on the true story of doomed lovers Abelard and Heloise and presented by English Touring Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe.

The fabulous and funny play Brassed Off takes to The Grand’s stage in April, which features live music from a brass band and stars John McArdle (Brookside, Firm Friends, Waterloo Road).

If you saw Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap in November, then you’ll love Black Coffee, direct from London’s West End and starring Robert Powell as the most famous detective of all time, Poirot. For comedy drama lovers, why not try the un-missable Olivier Award-winning Morecambe or Joe Orton’s black comedy Entertaining Mr Sloane?

If you enjoy a more classical theatre experience, The Grand has a range of world class ballet and opera productions for you, including a trio of ballet masterpieces performed by The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia; Giselle, Swan Lake and every child’s favourite fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty.

The Grand also welcomes the return of Ellen Kent with the Opera La Boheme, Ballet Theatre UK with The Little Mermaid and Northern Ballet with Three Little Pigs (A ballet for children).

The Grand enters its second year of Arts Council National Portfolio status, with an emphasis this season on brand new dance works. The internationally acclaimed Hofesh Schechter opens the season with his hotly-anticipated piece Sun, followed by Dancing Partners triple bill of exciting dance, which includes work by Norrdans, Company Chameleon and Thomas Noone Dance Company.

Later in the season, Fabulous Beast Theatre presents Rite of Spring and Petruska, the graduate dance company 12 Degrees North return with their new triple bill and finally, the incredible choreographer of the Rugby World Cup Opening Ceremony James Wilton stages his brand new work Last Man Standing.

One of the most exciting highlights is Breakin’ Convention…an all-inclusive Hip Hop festival direct from Sadler’s Wells London, featuring international Hip Hop dance companies Ill-Abilities, Ukweli Roach and Wanted Posse, as well as three local hand-picked dance crews. Breakin’ Convention is a one day event which will see The Grand transformed into an urban festival venue. You’ll find DJ’s mixing in the foyer, rap circles in Matcham’s Court, free-style b-boying in the stalls and local graffiti art adorning the theatre’s walls; come and join us for the ultimate celebration of Hip Hop Culture this Summer!

Family engagement with the arts is important to The Grand. The theatre will once again play a major part in Blackpool’s annual Showzam! Festival, with the song, dance and fun-filled Barney Live-The Let’s Go Tour, the dysfunctional and darkly funny Meet the Hogwallops and the ultimate musical night out Sing-a-Long-a-Grease. Later on in the season, see history brought to gory life in Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain.

In February the Grand Theatre proudly presents The Royal Shakespeare Company with their ‘First Encounter’ production of The Taming of The Shrew. This all-encompassing Shakespeare experience is coming to the theatre as part of The Grand’s three year involvement in the RSC’s Learning and Performance Network. First Encounter: The Taming of The Shrew uses a distilled version of the original text to create the perfect first experience of Shakespeare for all ages.

Supporting local amateur drama companies is key to The Grand. This season sees Blackpool Operatic Player’s production of the 1930’s musical Crazy For You, Blackpool and Fylde Light Opera Company’s feel-good performance of the brilliant Sister Act, Fylde Coast Players performance of Heroes and Poulton Drama’s brand new production of The Vicar of Dibley.

As always, live music features prominently in the programme with plenty of choice to suit all musical tastes! Rock out to The Illegal Eagles, swing to The Pasadena Roof Orchestra or step back in time at the Solid Silver 60s Show.

See Rock ‘n’ Roll legend Joe Brown, X Factor golden boy Joe McElderry, legends of Irish Music The Fureys and Davey Arthur and finally The Drifters return with their Optimum Tour.

What ever your interest, whether you are looking for the ideal Christmas gift or just a festive treat for you and your family, the Grand Theatre promises a great night out all season long.

Box Office 01253 74 33 39

Look through the Grand Theatre’s new brochure by clicking on the brochure image below…