Blackpool Grand Theatre will follow the guidance from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and remain open during the national period of mourning for HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

Theatre performances of When Darkness Falls from Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 September and One Night in Dublin on Sunday 18 September will go ahead as scheduled, with a mark of respect for HerMajesty taking place before the curtain rises on each live show.

Heritage Open Day will also go ahead as planned on Saturday 17 September from 9.30am to 1pm and will now feature a Royal display commemorating the visits of HRH The King Charles III to the theatre in 1981 and HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 1994.

Olivier nominated actor and popular TV presenter Peter Duncan (Blue Peter, Birdsong) will star as John Blondel in the exciting UK premiere of the terrifying ghost tale When Darkness Falls alongside renowned actor Daniel Rainford. On a stormy night on the small island of Guernsey, a young paranormal expert joins a skeptical history teacher to record the first in a series of podcasts based on the island’s incredible folklore and paranormal history.  As the expert regales his horrifying stories, the teacher learns that we all have our own truth, our own story.  Ghosts that haunt us; that bring the past, present and future together in unexpected ways; ways that can threaten to unsettle everything we think we know. Inspired by shocking true events, this powerful new production by renowned writers James Milton and Paul Morrissey draws us into dark pasts, reveals disturbing truths and explores the power of stories.  Perhaps most importantly, the ones we tell ourselves…

Watch the When Darkness Falls trailer here! 

Have you always wanted a peek inside Blackpool’s hidden gem? The Grand Theatre will be throwing open its famous doors once again as part of the annual national Heritage Open Day Blackpool project. Pop in anytime from 9.30am to 1pm to freely roam the famous theatre tiers and experience the captivating wonders of the glorious Grade II* listed building, which was meticulously crafted in 1894 by flamboyant architect Frank Matcham. Gaze in wonder at Matcham’s Victorian masterpiece, revel in the stunning scenery and view the plaque that Her Majesty The Queen unveiled to commemorate the Grand Theatre’s centenary during her visit with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 1994. Then relax and discuss your intriguing findings over a delicious Afternoon Tea in our magnificent Dress Circle bar at 12.30pm with a glass of bubbly for just £16! (£11 with a pot of tea).

Spend a wonderful One Night in Dublin with the multi award-winning Irish band Wild Murphy’s as the sensational seven-piece live band return for an unforgettable night of music, banter and good old Irish Craic. The Wild Murphy’s celebrate all the Irish classics in their own inimitable style, with tracks including Galway Girl, Tell Me Ma, Dirty Old Town, The Irish Rover, Brown Eyed Girl, Seven Drunken Nights, Sally MacLennane, When You Were Sweet Sixteen, Whiskey in the Jar, Wild Rover and Molly Malone, to name just a few. Kick back in Murphy’s Pub, sing along and imagine yourself back in Temple Bar as Middi Murphy and his band bring camaraderie and Irish cheer all night long.

Blackpool Grand Theatre Chief Executive, Adam Knight, said:

“The thoughts of everyone at Blackpool Grand Theatre are with the Royal Family at this very sad time. We join with every citizen of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the whole world in mourning the loss of our longest reigning monarch.

A book of condolence for Her Majesty the Queen has been opened in the Grand Theatre Box Office and The Grand Theatre closed on Monday 19 September as a mark of respect for the State Funeral. For further information and updates please visit BlackpoolGrand.co.uk or our social media @Grand_Theatre.

When Darkness Falls starring Peter Duncan (Blue Peter, Birdsong) and Daniel Rainford (Private Peaceful, The Batman) is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 September 2022 at 7.30pm. Matinee performance on Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets from £15.50 with concessions available. Please note – This production may not be suitable for children aged under 15 years

Heritage Open Day is Saturday 17 September from 9.30am to 1pm. Free entry. This is not a guided tour but is an incredible opportunity to step inside and look around! Please note – due to the history of the building, many parts are not accessible via wheelchair for people with mobility issues.

Grand Theatre Afternoon Tea in the Dress Circle bar on Saturday 17 September at 12.30pm is £11. Or £16 with a glass of Prosecco (maximum 20 participants)

One Night in Dublin is Sunday 18 September from 7.30pm. Tickets from £22

Please call the Box Office on 01253 290190 or visit www.BlackpoolGrand.co.uk for full listings, bookings and further information.