An Audience with Wayne Sleep will high kick off this dazzling season of live dance shows with a fascinating peek at the gifted ballet star’s glittering career on Monday 10 October from 1.30 pm.

For the very first time, dance icon Wayne Sleep OBE invites audiences to join him as he looks back over an extraordinary career spanning five fabulous decades. There’s a little bit of dance, lots of insider info and the unique opportunity of a Q&A! It’s an afternoon delight!

Using his own rare film footage and photos, Wayne will describe his journey from famously joining the Royal Ballet School at just 5ft 2 in height (the shortest male dancer ever admitted), to becoming a Principal Dancer at the Royal Ballet with numerous leading roles specially created for him. Founder of the Royal Ballet, Dame Ninette De Valois, described Wayne as ‘the greatest virtuoso dancer the Royal Ballet has ever produced’.

Wayne has also starred in the West End – notably in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats where Wayne created the role of Mr Mistoffelees, founded his own dance company and toured the world with it in his show Dash. His first steps into the world of film and TV are illustrated throughout the afternoon with rarely seen clips which cover his own TV series The Hot Shoe Show, the prestige of being a special guest on The Morecambe and Wise Show, starring alongside Sean Connery and all of the off-camera gossips about The Real Marigold Hotel and much more… including, of course, his long-standing association with the Royal Family and his close personal friendship with Diana, Princess of Wales.

There is also an exclusive Afternoon Tea Package available for this must-see show! Relax in our magnificent Dress Circle bar from 12 noon and enjoy a tempting selection of savoury and sweet treats before slipping into your seat for a wonderful afternoon with Wayne. It’s the extra special theatrical experience you deserve…

Are you looking for some more dance at Blackpool Grand?

Delight the whole family with a captivating new production of Beauty and the Beast from the critically acclaimed Ballet Theatre UK on Friday 14 October; don’t miss Argentine Tango King and Strictly Come Dancing legend Vincent Simone as he returns to the stage with his brand-new show Tango Passions on Sunday 16 October, and enjoy the breathtaking Sleeping Beauty dancing into the Grand on Sunday 20 November as Classical Ballet & Opera House bring the charming fairy story beautifully to life set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score.

Treat your loved ones to a thrilling trio of classic ballets from Varna International Ballet in January 2023 with the heart-rending tale of Giselle on Friday 13 January, the hauntingly unforgettable Swan Lake on Saturday 14 January and the magical fantasy The Nutcracker on Sunday 15 January; join the world champion dancers of Spirit of the Dance on Wednesday 18 January as their precision and artistic showmanship sends shivers down your spine; don’t miss the breathtaking performers in the powerfully potent cocktail of dance, acrobatics, music, hip hop and comedy that is Tap Factory on Tuesday 7 February, and partner up with Strictly champ Giovanni Pernice as he packs up his glitterball trophy and invites you to join him and an outstanding ensemble of dancers and singers on Friday 10 March.

Waltz your loved one to The Grand this season for an enchanting dance experience to cherish and remember. Dance at Blackpool Grand – once seen, never forgotten.

An Audience with Wayne Sleep is at Blackpool Grand Theatre on Monday 10 October at 1.30 pm.

For bookings and further information visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk or call the box office on 01253 290 190.

Afternoon Tea & Show Package available on Monday 10 October from 12 noon in the Dress Circle Bar for just £36 per person (includes show ticket) or upgrade to our Prosecco option for just £41 per person (includes show ticket). Bookable through the Box Office. Limited tickets are available. Please highlight any allergies at the time of booking.