Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit leads a spine-tingling New Season at The Grand

Get ready for a spellbinding new season from Blackpool Grand Theatre!

The Grand is raising everyone’s spirits with a hauntingly good line-up of spectacular shows for all - from marvellous musicals and powerful dramas to firm family favourites, dazzling live dance performances and laugh-out-loud comedy, – all led by an exciting new Grand Theatre co-production of Noël Coward’s riotous supernatural comedy BLITHE SPIRIT.

It’s a real spectre-cal!

Blithe Spirit is one of Coward’s most famous and much-loved plays and has bewitched audiences for over 80 years with its razor-sharp script, chaotic charm and ghostly mischief. Take a seat and join hands this Hallowe’en week to experience the screamingly funny supernatural farce from Tuesday 28 October to Saturday 1 November if you dare... Successful novelist Charles Condomine invites eccentric medium Madame Arcati to his home for a séance – purely for research, of course. But when the ghost of his glamorous (and gloriously difficult) first wife Elvira is accidentally summoned, Charles’ perfectly planned life with his second wife Ruth takes a turn for the spectral. Elvira has absolutely no intention of ‘going gently into that good night’ and soon the living and the dead are locked in a battle of wills and wry remarks as life and the afterlife collide and Elvira wreaks havoc to sabotage Charles’ new marriage. Cue chaos, cocktails and Coward at his sharpest.

“You can’t imagine how extraordinarily interesting it is to be dead.” – Elvira, Blithe Spirit

Big names bringing all the deadly drama this season include the madcap murder mystery to die for Murder at Midnight starring Jason Durr (Heartbeat, Casualty), Susie Blake (Victoria Wood’s as Seen on TV, Coronation Street) and Katie McGlynn (Coronation Street, Hollyoaks); the iconic 90s psychological chiller Single White Female starring the multi-talented actor and singer Kym Marsh (Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Abigail’s Party), and top TV cop Sergeant Troy (Daniel Casey) returning to the scene of the crime for the unmissable new stage adaptation of Midsomer Murders: The Killing of Badger’s Drift – but this time he’s in charge! There’s also a captivating new production of Stephen King’s infamous novella The Shawshank Redemption starring Joe McFadden (Holby City, Heartbeat), Ben Onwukwe (London’s Burning) and Bill Ward (Coronation Street), and legendary super sleuth Sherlock Holmes slipping back into The Grand for the world premiere of the gripping new spy adventure The Hunt for Moriarty.

Bless My Soul! Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock and roll musical The Rocky Horror Show is back with a bang to lead the award-winning musicals dancing onto The Grand stage, joined by the sensational Sunny Afternoon rocking out All Day and All of The Night to celebrate the raw energy, passion and timeless sound of The Kinks; the smash-hit rock ‘n’ roll spec-tacle Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story; the taptastic Broadway smash 42nd Street; the killer Queen musical We Will Rock You, and a sparkling new production of the musical tribute Noël & Gertie, which explores the fascinating friendship between two of the 20th century’s most legendary show business figures - Gertrude Lawrence and Noël Coward.

Sizzling celebrity names this season include soap and stage superstar Jason Donovan bringing his dynamic new live show to Blackpool for one night only; along with all the hot comedy stars right now popping in for unforgettable one night stands, from TV favourite Josh Widdicombe to witty whirlwind Russell Kane, controversial comic Daniel O’Reilly, the madcap comedy mastermind Milton Jones and the razor-sharp Sue Perkins. And don’t forget… Strictly champ and stand up sensation Chris McCausland will also be back in 2026 by popular demand!

Exciting nights out with a difference that will thrill, chill and inspire in a season that’s anything but ordinary include the powerful celebration of second chances and the bonds that form behind bars with Danusia Iwaszko’s Penned Up; the vibrant tale of four ordinary lads who came together to form Joy Division - one of the most influential bands of all time - in New Dawn Fades; the master of mind control Derren Brown bringing his smash-hit stage show ONLY HUMAN for SIX spooky live performances that have to be seen to be believed, and the award-winning imitating the dog landing at The Grand with a bold retelling of War of The Worlds. It’s H.G. Wells’ iconic science fiction tale brought to life, but not as you may know it…

There’s a whole lot of family fun too! Search for pirate treasure with a swashbuckling new adventure from Fireman Sam; welcome the return of the heartwarming tale of the Boy at The Back of The Class; get busy with The Sooty Show’s wonderful wizardry and lots of laughs, and book your seats now for Blackpool’s number one magical family pantomime Beauty and The Beast starring TV bad boy Marc Baylis (Coronation St’s Rob Donovan) as self-obsessed show-off Hugo, UK Pantomime Award-Winning Comic and Britain’s Got Talent Finalist Steve Royle as Louis La Plonk, original Funny Girl Betty Legs Diamond as Polly La Plonk and TikTok sensation and stage star Kitty Harris as the beautiful Belle!

Blackpool Grand Theatre Chief Executive, Adam Knight, said: “Prepare for a showstopping season like no other at The Grand, where big names, iconic stories and world-class productions come together for a truly unmissable theatrical season – all led by The Grand’s very own production of Noel Coward’s classic comedy Blithe Spirit in October. This wickedly funny new co-production with Wiltshire Creative and renowned theatre producer Lee Dean is the perfect Hallowe’en treat!

“The Grand is also thrilled to welcome a huge number of highly acclaimed productions, including The Royal Shakespeare Company’s masterful new staging of Hamlet; David Pugh’s glittering production of the RSC’s The Constant Wife starring Kara Tointon (EastEnders, Strictly Come Dancing), and The Grand debut of Christy Lefteri’s The Beekeeper of Aleppo – a remarkable play that not only captivates through its exquisite storytelling but is also a perfect reflection of our mission to bring theatre that is thought-provoking, emotionally powerful and unforgettable. Don’t miss out. The buzz about these shows is real...

We are also raising the barre once again with a breathtaking line-up of dance shows, including the award-winning Gary Clarke Company bringing its revolutionary new production DETENTION which has been co-commissioned by The Grand; Imperial Classical Ballet making a welcome return with an enchanting production of Swan Lake, and a red-hot production of Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana with Acosta Danza bringing a fiery and fresh twist to a festive favourite.

“It’s world class live theatre right here in Blackpool. Don’t wait a second! Book your seats now. We can’t wait to welcome you this year!”

Look out for the new Grand Theatre brochure popping through your letterbox soon or pick one up at the Box Office. All shows are also listed on the website.

Visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk for full show listings and bookings or call the box office on 01253 290 190 for bookings and further information.

LISTINGS

Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HT

Box Office 01253 290 190

blackpoolgrand.co.uk

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