October show listings for Blackpool Grand Theatre

Big Girls Don’t Cry – Saturday 4 October at 7.30pm

Have Oh, What a Night with this internationally acclaimed tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons! The phenomenal cast and live band will transport you back in time to 1963 and beyond for a magical evening enjoying two hours of non-stop hits and sublime harmonies from New Jersey’s finest - from Sherry, December 1963 (Oh What a Night) and Rag Doll to Big Girls Don’t Cry as well as Frankie’s incredible falsetto on solo hits like Grease, Let’s Hang On, Working My Way Back to You, Beggin’, I’ve Got You Under My Skin and Who Loves You. Walk Like a Man and book your tickets now! Tickets £35.

David Holt – Spiritual Teaching Seminar – Saturday 4 October at 12noon in The STUDIO

Join the famous Spiritualist, Medium and Esoteric teacher David Holt at this fascinating seminar that teaches the art of meditation and decluttering your mind, as well as how to enter the receptive state for mediumship. Have your questions answered followed by a supernatural experiment of EVP – Electronic Voice Phenomena. The ability to record spirit voices onto any electronic recording device. Tickets £70.

David Holt – Evening of Clairvoyance - Saturday 4 October at 7.30pm

David Holt is one of the UK’s leading spiritualist mediums, delivering mind blowing evidence of life after death. He is renowned for giving exact names, dates and details that could only be known to those who now reside on the other side. His international bestselling book Are you ready to believe? changed the way people view the concept of life after death and the opinions of both sceptics and believers alike. With no two evenings ever the same, join David for a unique supernatural experience. Are you ready to believe? Tickets £32.30.

Elkie Brooks – The Long Farewell Tour – Sunday 5 October at 7.30pm

Don’t miss the husky-voiced singing superstar on her farewell tour following 64 sensational years of performing live. Elkie and her band will be performing all the hits from her illustrious award winning career in music, including Pearl’s A Singer, Lilac Wine, Fool (If You Think It’s Over) and Don’t Cry Out Loud as well as some breathtaking blues, rock, jazz and material from her eagerly anticipated new album.  An exceptional performer with an unmistakable voice, Elkie never fails to captivate her audience. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to see a truly remarkable artiste live. Tickets from £37.50.

Gary Clarke Company - DETENTION – Wednesday 8 & Thursday 9 October at 7.30pm

This thrilling new dance work has been co-commissioned by The Grand and marks the final chapter in a powerful performance trilogy from the celebrated choreographer. DETENTION builds on the legacy of renowned previous works COAL and WASTELAND, while turning its focus to the devastating impact of Section 28 – the largely hidden legislation introduced under Margaret Thatcher’s government in 1988 that banned the ‘promotion of homosexuality’. The unmissable result is a raw, moving and unflinching exploration of violence, loneliness, protest and solidarity - and a celebration of those who stood up against injustice. Tickets from £15. Please note – Running time 85 minutes with no interval. Contains some flashing lights, loud music, smoke effects and references to violence and homophobia. Recommended age 14+. FREE Post Show Talk after the performance on Wed 8 Oct.

Maximum Rhythm and Blues with The Manfreds – Friday 10 October at 7.30pm

Get ready to snap your fingers and shuffle your feet once again to The Manfreds as they bring their highly acclaimed show back to The Grand, featuring original Manfred Mann members Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness. Their incredible repertoire of hits includes iconic songs Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Pretty Flamingo, 5-4-3-2-1, The Mighty Quinn and many more, as well as hits from Paul Jones’ solo success and Tom McGuinness’ hugely successful group, McGuinness Flint.

With very special guest, Noel McCalla, whose impressive CV boasts such credentials as lead singer with Manfred Mann’s Earth Band from 1991 until 2009, which brings hits such as Blinded by The Light and Davy’s On the Road Again onto the set list, plus his own unique blend of soul/jazz/blues inspired material. Tickets from £39.

Beyond the Barricade – Saturday 11 October at 7.30pm

The UK’s longest running musical theatre concert tour is back for two thrilling hours of the very best of Broadway and the West End, featuring the songs that have made audiences return over and over for more than 25 years. Enjoy numbers from The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story, The Lion King, Blood Brothers, Miss Saigon, Hamilton and many others, climaxing with a spectacular finale from, of course, Les Misérables! Musical stars Andy Reiss, David Fawcett, Katie Leeming and Sarah Ryan have all played principal roles in both the West End and UK Tours of Les Misérables. Together with a live band they capture the feel of the original orchestrations of the chosen musicals with every musical note still played and sung live. Tickets £29.20.

Swan Lake – Sunday 12 October at 4pm.

Imperial Classical Ballet makes a welcome return with its enchanting production of Swan Lake set to Tchaikovsky’s rich score. This compelling story follows the tragic romance of Princess Odette, who is cursed by an evil spell to live as a swan by day and a woman by night. From the dazzling opulence of the palace ballroom to the hauntingly beautiful moonlit lake, Swan Lake is a feast for the eyes and soul. The ballet’s iconic scenes include the majestic “white swan” dances and the electrifying “black swan” pas de deux, feature some of the most exquisite choreography and music ever created. Tickets from £37.

Noel and Gertie – Wednesday 15 October to Friday 17 October at 7.30pm. Thursday matinee at 2pm & Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Audiences will be Mad About the Boy and the girl as talented theatre actors Gary Tushaw (Sunset Boulevard, Sweeney Todd, The Mousetrap) and Rebecca Trehearn (Ghost, Showboat, Sweet Charity) bring style, sophistication and plenty of scandalous laughter in this charming celebration of the lifelong friendship between two of Britain’s most beloved stage icons – Noël Coward and Gertrude Lawrence. Be transported back to the golden age of West End theatre to celebrate the special bond between the famous playwright and the renowned actress through a series of magical memories and memorable musical numbers from Coward’s works, including Private Lives and the classic Don’t Put Your Daughter on The Stage, Mrs Worthington. Tickets from £15. Audio described/ BSL Interpreted performance on Saturday 18 October at 2:30pm. FREE Matinee Circle available on Thursday 16 October from 12:30pm to 1:30pm with author and entertainment historian Barry Band. Book your free place at checkout when purchasing show tickets.

Queen by Candlelight – Sunday 19 October at 7.30pm

Experience Bohemian Rhapsody in its fiftieth fabulous year in an enchanting new way with this captivating Candlelight Concert. Journey through Queen’s greatest hits, sung by talented vocalists and accompanied by a live band with the perfect backdrop of flickering candles. Relive the legendary performances of this magnificent band with iconic songs like We Will Rock You, Killer Queen and Don’t Stop Me Now. It’s a Kind of Magic! Tickets £33.

Shock Horror: A Ghost Story – Tuesday 21 October at 7.30pm

A nightmare is about to break free… Herbert grew up in the Metropol. The eerie old cinema was his playground and prison – a place where endless late-night horror films were his only window to the world. Forbidden from leaving by his disturbed parents, Herbert hid in its shadows and gorged on its movies. But what lurked in the Metropol’s darkness? And how did he manage to escape? Now Herbert’s back at the abandoned cinema, searching for answers to long-buried questions and the real horror has only just begun…

Inspired by classic theatre ghost stories and cinema’s greatest frights, Shock Horror is a chilling journey into a haunted past. Combining live performance and big-screen action, it’s full of shivers, shrieks and shocking revelations. Tickets £26. Recommended for ages 12+.

New Dawn Fades – Wednesday 22 October at 7.30pm

Get to the Heart and Soul of Joy Division with this re-energised and vibrant new production that tells the story of four ordinary lads who came together to form one of the most influential bands of all time. Following the untimely death of lead singer Ian Curtis, the band went on to huge world-wide success as New Order. Written by the award-winning Brian Gorman, who received much praise for his portrayal of Factory Records boss Tony Wilson, who guides the audience through the band and the city of Manchester, introducing an array of historical figures, including Roman General Julius Agricola, Dr John Dee, Friedrich Engels, Paul Morley, and Pete Shelley of Buzzcocks. With a soundtrack featuring iconic hits of the late 1970s UK music scene, including of course Joy Division. Tickets £32.

Johnny Cash Roadshow – Thursday 23 October at 7.30pm

The Man in Black is back in this fast-paced production set on a Grand ‘Ole Opry style stage to bring the very best of Johnny Cash. The award-winning Clive John pays homage to the Country music legend in his own unique way, alongside Meghan Thomas as June Carter Cash and some of the best musicians in the world playing authentic double bass, fender telecaster and acoustic guitars. Timeless songs are delivered back-to-back from Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Jackson and Orange Blossom Special to Boy Named Sue along-side some of the darker more troubled material from the later American Recordings. Tickets £31.50.

Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood – Friday 24 October & Saturday 25 October at in The STUDIO at 7.30pm

Have you seen her? Celebrate the pure joy of Victoria Wood with this delightful evening of nostalgia and laughter with Paulus the Cabaret Geek (star of BBC1’s All Together Now) and Michael Roulston (Fascinating Aïda) on piano. Looking For Me Friend has the seal of approval from Victoria’s very own school chums and colleagues and features Victoria’s best-loved songs, including the iconic Ballad of Barry & Freda (Let’s Do It) and the classic It Would Never Have Worked. This is for fans of Victoria, and those yet to discover her, to come together and relish her breath-taking wizardry with words. Pair your stilettos with an oven glove, zip up your cocktail slacks and get booking! Tickets £23.50.

Daniel O’Reilly: Let’s Have It – Friday 24 October at 7.30pm

Controversial comic Daniel O’Reilly is back! Hold on to your seats and brace yourself for a night of outrageous laughs and no-holds-barred comedy with his brand new, in-your-face tour. Whether you’ve seen him go viral online or live on stage, you’ll know one thing for sure: no topic is off-limits, and nothing is safe! Fresh from sold-out shows across the UK and millions of online fans, Daniel brings his brutally honest, laugh-out-loud take on modern life, relationships, parenthood, and everything in between. Book now – these shows WILL sell out. Get ready to laugh until it hurts. It’s raw, it’s real… Let’s Have It! Tickets £35.

Steve Steinman’s Anything For Love – The Meatloaf Story – Sunday 26 October at 7.30pm

Highly acclaimed show producer and No.1 recording artist Steve Steinman is roaring back into The Grand with his brand-new production featuring over 25 of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman’s greatest hits, including Steve’s very own No.1 single Everything They Said Was True written by John Parr and Meat Loaf. With an incredible stage set, ten-piece live band combined with Steve’s well-known sense of humour and stage presence, this sensational live show will have you shouting out for more as Steve and his cast of amazing singers and musicians take you on a nostalgic trip back in time. Rock along to Anything For Love, Bat Out Of Hell, Paradise By The Dashboard Light, Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth, Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, Dead Ringer For Love, Total Eclipse Of The Heart and many, many more. Tickets £40.

Blithe Spirit - Tuesday 28 October to Saturday 1 November at 7.30pm. Thursday matinee at 2pm & Saturday matinee at 2.30pm

Have a hauntingly good Hallowe’en with this wickedly funny Grand Theatre co-production of Noël Coward’s iconic supernatural comedy starring BAFTA winning actress Susan Wooldridge (Hope and Glory, Jewel in The Crown) as madcap medium Madame Arcati. Do you dare miss out? Successful author Charles Condomine invites the mysterious medium Madame Arcati to his home for a séance – purely for research for his next book, of course. But when the ghost of his glamorous (and gloriously difficult) first wife Elvira appears, Charles’ perfectly planned life with his second wife Ruth takes a turn for the spectral. Elvira wreaks havoc to sabotage Charles’ new marriage and reclaim her husband from beyond the grave. Tickets from £15. Audio described/ BSL Interpreted performance on Saturday 1 November at 2:30pm. FREE Matinee Circle available on Thursday 30 October from 12:30pm to 1:30pm with local writer, historian and musician Zowie Swan in conversation with Joanna Walpole. Book your free place at checkout when purchasing show tickets.

Tales for the Witching Hour – Thursday 30 October at 7pm in The STUDIO.

Hearing or telling a story for the first time has a special magic to it – especially at Hallowe’en. This year The Grand is celebrating the roots of the annual scarefest from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain when people believed the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred. The veil between worlds thinned, allowing spirits to cross over and walk among us. Join story tellers Zowie Swan, Barry McCann and Deborah Contessa for an evening of spine-chilling tales and conversation. Tickets £5. Recommended for ages 12+.

Visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk for full show listings and bookings or call the box office on 01253 290190 for bookings and further information.