What's on at Winter Gardens Blackpool in May

There are so many exciting events coming up at the Winter Gardens Blackpool this May, take a look at the list below to discover more.

1st-3rd May :   Only Fools & Horses The Musical

Stick a pony in your pocket – The Trotters are back in the smash hit show Only Fools and Horses The Musical – direct from a record-breaking four-year sold-out run-in London’s West End – featuring Del Boy, Rodney, Grandad, Cassandra, Raquel, Boycie, Marlene, Trigger, Denzil, Mickey Pearce.

Starring comedy legend Paul Whitehouse as Grandad!

Based on John Sullivan’s legendary television show, this critically acclaimed home-grown musical spectacular features cherished material from Britain’s best loved TV series. With a script and original score written by John’s son, Jim Sullivan, and comedy giant Paul Whitehouse, prepare to get reacquainted with Britain’s most lovable rogues and experience the classic comedy brought to life on stage through an ingenious script and 20 hilarious songs.

5^th & 6^th May                 Gary Barlow

The Songbook Tour will celebrate Gary Barlow’s status as one of Britain’s most successful songwriters and record producers. As part of the group Take That, he has won eight BRIT Awards and sold over 45 million records. One of the band’s biggest hits, ‘Back For Good’, will turn 30 in March 2025. The track is still ranked as one of the UK’s favourite-ever pop songs having reached No.1 on its release in March 1995 and remaining top of the charts for four consecutive weeks, going on to become the band’s biggest-selling song of the 90’s.

9^th May                            Just my Imagination

Celebrating 60 years since the release of the unforgettable smash-hit ‘My Girl’, get ready to embark on a musical journey with first-class vocals and musicianship, authentic costumes and mesmerising choreography.

 This hugely talented cast of dynamic West End performers bring the music of the ‘Number 1 Group In The History of Rhythm and Blues’ to the stage with signature hits such as ‘Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone’, ‘Ain’t Too Proud to Beg’, ‘I Can’t Get Next To You’, ‘I Wish It Would Rain’ and ‘Get Ready’.

Party to the timeless sounds of the ‘Classic Five’ that defined a generation; guaranteed to transport you back in time to a world of music, memories and pure soul!

12^th May                         The Waterboys

The Waterboys have been led by Scottish singer/guitarist Mike Scott since the 1980s and have evolved through many line-ups, winning a fearsome concert reputation along the way. One of the best live bands in the world, they reconfigure music from all stages of the band’s career, from the early “big music” of The Whole Of The Moon and classic album This Is The Sea through the roots-inspired Fisherman’s Blues era and the run of in-form records that have poured out since 2015’s Nashville-recorded Modern Blues, taking in soul, funk, country-rock and any other kind of music they care to play.  

This year the band is touring their audacious new album on Sun records, Life, Death And Dennis Hopper, which tells the story of the maverick American actor and trailblazer. Audiences can expect Waterboys classics, new directions, drama, improvisation and musical fireworks.

16^th May                         Rocketman

The Rocket Man is the world’s favourite celebration to a musical icon, playing to audiences all around the world and we are delighted to announce our UK tour for 2025.

Join us as The Rocket Man and our amazing live band take you down the Yellow Brick Road with two hours of glorious Elton hits, including, Saturday Night’s Alright, Crocodile Rock, I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues, Daniel, I’m Still Standing, Philadelphia Freedom, Your Song and many, many more.

With dazzling costumes, stunning vocals and sensational piano solos, we take you on a journey through Elton’s life and career, the highs and the lows with many a laugh brought to life, live on stage. This show has it all!

17^th May                          The Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour

Direct from the USA, the world’s biggest, best and most successful Elvis tribute show returns to the UK.  Starring three winners of Elvis Presley Enterprises’ Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest including the Winner of BBC One’s The World’s Greatest Elvis – Shawn Klush (USA), Dean Z (USA) and Ben Thompson (UK).

The incredible Shawn Klush first exploded onto the UK scene when 6 million viewers tuned in to see him crowned ‘The World’s Greatest Elvis’ live on BBC One. Soon after, Shawn was also crowned the first-ever ‘Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion’ in Memphis, Tennessee.

Fellow American Dean Z, regarded as the world’s most exciting Elvis performer, brings the 1968 Comeback Special to life on stage in this show.  Dean won the prestigious EPE Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in 2013.

The show also features Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion Ben Thompson, who won the 2018 contest with his extraordinary performances. Ben performs the exciting early years of Elvis in this show. 

Don’t miss this incredible production, starring three of the world’s very best Elvis tribute artists together in one show with an incredible live band and orchestra. 

17^th- 30^th May Blackpool Dance Festival

Covering a period of thirteen days, the May Blackpool Dance Festival is by far the largest of the five festivals held in Blackpool. The Festival covers Ballroom and Latin American dancing, incorporating the British Open Championships for Adult Amateur and Professional couples, plus Formation Teams.

2005 saw the introduction of two new events, the British Rising Star Amateur Ballroom and Latin Competitions. 2019 was the event’s 94th year and there were 56 countries represented, with a total number of 2,827 entries in the 13 events!

29^th May                         Showstopper!

Spontaneous musical comedy at its absolute finest – direct from the West End and now heading to Winter Gardens Blackpool as part of the line up for this year’s spectacular Blackpool Comedy Festival.

With fifteen years as an Edinburgh Fringe must-see phenomenon, a BBC Radio 4 series, a critically acclaimed West End run and an Olivier Award to their name, The Showstoppers have delighted audiences across the globe with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity.

23^rd May                         Man in the Mirror

Starring CJ, one of the world’s greatest Michael Jackson Tribute Artists and supported by a talented cast of performers and musicians who capture the essence of Michael Jackson’s unique style and charisma like no other, in this scintillating production that will keep you on the edge of your seats.

Featuring all his greatest hits you know and love, including “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Smooth Criminal,” and of course, “Man in the Mirror.” Complete with dazzling choreography, stunning visual effects, light show and authentic costumes. This is the show that pays tribute to Jackson’s musical legacy.

31^st May                          Manford’s Comedy Club

A Night of Stand-Up Gold at the Blackpool Comedy Festival!

Get ready for a blockbuster night of comedy as Manford’s Comedy Club headlines the Blackpool Comedy Festival 2025! This unmissable show will bring four top stand-ups to the legendary Opera House for an evening packed with big laughs, sharp wit, and unforgettable performances.

MC: Hayley Ellis – A festival favourite, Hayley’s infectious energy and razor-sharp observations will have you in stitches from the start.

Emmanuel Sonubi – As seen on Live at the Apollo, Emmanuel’s quick wit and larger-than-life stage presence make him one of the UK’s most exciting comics.

Maisie Adam – Mock The Week regular and comedy powerhouse Maisie Adam delivers fast-paced, high-energy hilarity with her trademark Northern charm.

Russell Howard – One of the biggest names in British comedy, Russell brings his world-famous storytelling and infectious humour to the Opera House stage for a night of laugh-out-loud entertainment.

21 April – 27 April        Junior Dance Festival

The Blackpool Junior Dance Festival has been running since 1957 with young dancers from all over the World visiting Blackpool to compete. The Festival, traditionally held in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, celebrated its 60th birthday in 2017 and incorporates the British Junior and Juvenile Open Championships.

31^st May                          Waterloo A Tribute To ABBA

             

The iconic lyrics composed by Benny and Bjorn are sung in wonderful, captivating harmony from the opening refrain to the final sing-along chorus of this two-hour spectacular, featuring a full live cast and band, stunning costumes and breath-taking choreography.

From the iconic Waterloo, Mamma Mia and Voulez-Vous and so much more, this sensational show is an experience not to be missed by any ABBA fan.

Disclaimer: Please note that this is a tribute production and is not affiliated or endorsed by the Abba Estate.