Blackpool – The Review Studio

Beauty & the Beast – The Grand Theatre Blackpool

Children, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Gifts for children, Theatre

It’s December and the panto season is in full swing and there’s nowhere better to soak up this Christmas tradition than in Blackpool. Nothing says festive fun quite like a good old-fashioned pantomime, and in Blackpool, where the humour is gloriously cheeky and the double entendres glide in quicker than a seagull after chips – it’s family entertainment at its finest.

Betty Legs Diamond, the original Funny Girl herself, strides on as Dame Polly La Plonk, resplendent, outrageous and armed with a wicked glint that suggests she could reduce a grown man to helpless giggles with nothing more than a raised eyebrow.

Belle, played by Kitty Harris is exactly how a fairytale princess should be. She’s beautiful and kind and you can easily see that she sees past the horns, fur and claws to spot the prince within.

Leading the all-star cast is Coronation Street baddie Marc Baylis as Hugo Pompidou. He strides across the stage with the perfect mix of danger, drama and irresistible charm, making it impossible not to boo the moment he appears.

Photo credit © Blackpool Grand Theatre | Photography Martin Bostock

But the real heart of a Grand Theatre panto is, as ever, Steve Royle. Having earned the title of the UK Pantomime Awards’ Best Comic, he bounds onto the stage like a child who’s had too many fizzy drinks. His energy, perfectly timed slapstick and razor-sharp adlibs had the audience in stitches from the moment he appeared on stage.

Photo credit © Blackpool Grand Theatre | Photography Martin Bostock

The costumes this year are an explosion of colour, big, bold and bursting with personality. The Beast’s costume is particularly impressive and with his swishing cloak he cuts quite the imposing figure. The transformations from prince to beast and back again are especially impressive, they are so quick that you half expect to find Doctor Who lurking in the wings with a malfunctioning time vortex! Maybe one to include next year!! Elsewhere, the French theme justifies a profusion of red, white and blue. The dancers seem to have a new outfit for every scene, while Dame Polly’s costumes… well, let’s just say they’re that little bit more daring. Would we expect anything less?

The show is peppered with brilliant scenes, from classics like the Ghostbusters routine to wonderfully funny adlibs when the balloon scene went deliciously off-script.

Photo credit © Blackpool Grand Theatre | Photography Martin Bostock

Choreographed by Katie Hill, the talented dancers from The Barbara Jackson’s Theatre Arts Centre were excellent, wowing the audience with a variety of different dance styles. We especially enjoyed the Can Can which added a typical French flourish to the show.

Beauty and the Beast runs until Sunday 4th January, giving you plenty of time to catch this magical, laugh-out-loud production. If you love pantomime – and honestly, who doesn’t at Christmas? – this is one you absolutely won’t want to miss.

Tickets start from £15 and are available from The Grand Theatre here

Photo credit © Blackpool Grand Theatre | Photography Martin Bostock

Q The Music’s James Bond Spectacular

Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Theatre

Disclaimer: We received free tickets for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

James Bond, the legendary British spy created by Ian Fleming, first appeared in the 1953 novel Casino Royale, introducing 007 as a suave MI6 agent tackling global threats with gadgets, charm, and razor-sharp wit. The character quickly leapt from page to screen, becoming the face of one of cinema’s longest-running and best-loved franchises. With thrilling missions, exotic locations, and that unmistakable Bond cool, the films have captivated audiences for decades. And of course, no Bond experience is complete without the iconic theme songs performed by legends like Shirley Bassey, Duran Duran, and Adele which have topped charts both here and abroad over the years.

Back in 2004, Bond superfan Warren Ringham set out to celebrate the unforgettable music of 007 by forming a band, and over 20 years later, Q The Music is still wowing audiences across the UK. Last night, we had the pleasure of seeing their spectacular show at the beautiful Blackpool Opera House.

While the band can scale up to a full orchestra or down to a tight five-piece, we saw their classic 12-piece setup with a lead vocalist. The mix was spot on, with a bold brass section that perfectly captured the dramatic, punchy sound so essential to the Bond experience.

The evening was hosted by Caroline Bliss – aka Miss Moneypenny in the Timothy Dalton films The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill – who guided us through the performance with behind the scenes stories and warm reflections from her time on set.

The show opened, as expected, with the iconic instrumental James Bond theme, a powerful introduction that set the tone for the night. The next two numbers were the perfect way to showcase the evening’s vocal talent – Kerry Schultz and Matt Walker. Kerry dazzled with both her voice and stage presence, delivering a bold and brilliant performance of the Shirley Bassey classic “Goldfinger.” She truly owned the stage. Matt followed with “Thunderball”, channelling Tom Jones with an astonishingly long final note that brought the house down – what a way to kick things off! Later in the evening, he showed his incredible vocal range with a stunning, emotional rendition of “Writing’s on the Wall”, capturing the haunting style of the Sam Smith hit beautifully.

The first half took us on a thrilling journey through Bond soundtracks, ending the first half with a phenomenal performance of “Tomorrow Never Dies” complete with dramatic pyrotechnics and was a fitting end to the first half of the show.

The second half burst back into action with the Bond theme once again, with another electrifying guitar solo from the brilliant Dan Booth – it really set the tone for what was to come. Highlights included a high-energy performance of “Live and Let Die” and a beautifully delivered version of Adele’s “Skyfall.” Looking around, it was clear we weren’t the only ones impressed – the audience were completely absorbed, and the enthusiastic applause said it all.

With Warren Ringham’s expert musical direction, every member of the band gave an outstanding performance and you could see their passion for the music, making the entire show an absolute joy to watch.

Q The Music is currently performing one-night shows at theatres across the country, with their next stop at Glasgow Pavilion on 18th July. For full tour dates and tickets, visit their website – it’s a night no Bond fan should miss.

Photo credit – Bryan Marshall

Grease The Musical at The Grand Theatre Blackpool

Days Out, Theatre

Disclaimer: We received free tickets to the show for the purpose of this review but all thoughta and opinions are our own.

Blackpool Grand Theatre rolled out the pink carpet last night for its vibrant new production of Grease the Musical, presented in collaboration with Pitlochry Festival Theatre. From the moment the curtain rose, the audience was whisked away into the colourful world of 1950s American high school life, filled with teenage drama, romance, and rock ‘n’ roll energy.

As a lifelong fan of Grease, I arrived with high expectations and the brilliant cast exceeded them at every turn. What made this production really stand out was that the performers didn’t just sing and dance; many also played their own instruments live on stage. Rather than relying on a separate orchestra, the cast doubled as the band, seamlessly integrating guitars, saxophones, drums, and keyboards into the action. This added a raw, electric energy to the performance and gave the musical a fresh, live-concert feel.

Alexander Service delivered the perfect blend of swagger and vulnerability as Danny, effortlessly capturing the essence of the iconic character. His on-stage chemistry with Blythe Jandoo who played Sandy, was unmistakable, especially during their heartfelt duets, my favourite of which was their last song “You’re the One That I Want.”

The choreography by Kally Lloyd Jones was also a highlight, from energetic hand jives to slick twists and turns, the cast nailed every move with infectious enthusiasm.

The staging was dynamic and clever, making full use of the Grand Theatre’s space with smooth transitions between Rydell High, Marty’s bedroom, and the burger bar. While the film’s famous car race scene was understandably omitted, Greased Lightning made a couple of thrilling appearances, including being impressively driven off stage to the audience’s delight.

As the show built to its joyous finale, the themes of change, acceptance, and young love came into sharp focus. Danny’s transformation into a letterman and Sandy’s bold new look sparked cheers, culminating in a high-energy rendition of “You’re the One That I Want.”

It was impossible to single out a favourite performer, each cast member brought something unique, and together they created a night of nostalgic, foot-tapping, feel-good theatre. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the story, this is a must-see show.

Tickets start at £15 with school and group rates available

Grease The Musical is at The Grand Theatre Blackpool Opera House until Saturday 14th June.

For more information or to book tickets visit: www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk or call the box office on 01253 290 190

Photo credit dannywithacamera.com

Shirley Valentine, The Grand Theatre, Blackpool

Days Out, Gifts for Her, Theatre

Disclaimer: We received free tickets for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Directed by Lotte Wakeham and re-set in Lancashire rather than its original Liverpool, Willy Russell’s popular play, Shirley Valentine, is currently captivating audiences at Blackpool Grand Theatre. We had the pleasure of watching it last night, and it is definitely a production not to be missed!

The story revolves around Shirley, a 42-year-old woman whose children have flown the nest, leaving her feeling stuck in a stagnant marriage and disillusioned with life. We first meet her in her 1980’s kitchen, typical of many a Lancashire home, where she communicates to the audience by talking to the kitchen wall. Through these reflections, she recalls encounters from her past, one minute she’s reminiscing about bumping into an old school friend who’s now a high-class escort, and the next, she’s got us howling with laughter at tales of her son’s school nativity play.

As Shirley shares her story, she’s calmly cooking up egg and chips for husband Joe’s tea, all the while enjoying a well-deserved glass of wine. The unpretentious set and the choice of a classic northern meal felt so comforting and familiar, and it really felt like the audience were being welcomed right into her kitchen.

As Shirley shares her story, she confides in us about her secret plans for a holiday to Greece with her friend Jane, who’s kindly bought her the ticket. You can sense her inner turmoil as she wrestles with the idea of leaving – who’s going to cook Joe’s meals and keep the house in order while she’s away? But the tipping point comes when her daughter Millandra breezes back home, fully expecting Shirley to keep catering to her every whim. It’s the final straw! As The Clash’s Should I Stay or Should I Go? blasts out, Shirley makes her choice – she’s off! She leaves behind a freezer stocked with meals and a note for Joe. We both agreed it was an absolutely brilliant way to end the first half – full of drama, defiance, and a touch of rock ’n’ roll!

The second half is set in Greece and when Shirley’s friend quickly becomes occupied with a man she met on the plane, Shirley is left to her own devices. Yet, far from feeling abandoned, Shirley embraces the solitude and the opportunity for self-discovery and enjoys it so much she decides to stay in Greece despite Joe wanting her to return home!

Mina Anwar’s performance as Shirley Valentine was absolutely brilliant. In a one-woman show, the challenge of carrying the entire script is no small feat, yet she delivered it flawlessly. She brings such warmth, humour, and depth to the character, effortlessly shifting from heartfelt moments of reflection to laugh-out-loud comedy. It’s no wonder her performance earned a thoroughly deserved standing ovation, her portrayal was so genuine and relatable.

Even though Willy Russell wrote Shirley Valentine over 30 years ago, it still speaks to us today. I know of lots of women who at times wish they could escape and leave everyday life behind – although most of them never would, but it’s nice to dream! This production is uplifting, empowering, and it’s such a wonderful reminder to grab life by the olives and make the most of every moment!

Shirley Valentine is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 1st April to Saturday 5th April. Tickets cost from £15 with concessions for 1894 Club members and Friends of The Grand. Group rates are also available. There is also an Audio Described/BSL performance on Saturday 5th April at 2.30pm

Please call the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 290190 or visit the Blackpool Grand website for full listings, bookings and further information.

Photo credits – The Other Richard

Here We Come Again at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool

Days Out, Theatre

Disclaimer: We received free tickets for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

From the moment the lights came up for Here You Come Again, it was blindingly obvious this was going to be a fantastic show. The grim reality of the COVID-19 pandemic sets the stage, but instead of doom and gloom, we’re greeted by Kevin, a 40-year-old comedian, chucking jumbo packs of toilet rolls through his attic window – a hilarious reminder of the toilet roll panic buying we all did in lockdown!!

Poor Kevin has hit rock bottom and he’s been forced to return to his parents’ home in Yorkshire. His career is in ruins, his boyfriend Jeremy has given him the boot, and things couldn’t look much bleaker. With no job and endless hours to fill, he finds solace in his beloved Dolly Parton albums. But when he starts pondering, “What would Dolly do?”, she magically comes to life, in true fairy godmother style, to help him untangle the mess that his life has become. Dolly, played by Tricia Paoluccio has such an amazing voice that if you closed your eyes you’d swear the real Dolly had descended from Nashville! Her renditions of “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” were especially brilliant, transporting the audience straight to country music heaven.

Kevin, played with manic energy by Steven Webb, is hilariously relatable. His comedic timing is impeccable, and his dance moves, both wild and uninhibited are fantastic to watch. Somehow, he manages to be both hilarious and heartfelt, portraying Kevin’s journey from despair to determination with a captivating mix of humour and vulnerability. His chemistry with Paoluccio is electric, balancing gut-busting laughs with moments that genuinely tug at the heartstrings.

Yes, the story has been orchestrated to fit Dolly’s hits, but who cares? It works. Dolly acts as Kevin’s sparkly guiding light, doling out advice and belting out tunes to drag him out of his misery. There are plenty of nods to the pandemic including stockpiling loo rolls and washing your hands to “Happy Birthday” and I guarantee you will be laughing out loud all night!

By the finale, the entire audience was on its feet belting out Dolly classics in unison. It’s gloriously over-the-top, hilarious and utterly unforgettable and I guarantee you’ll leave the theatre grinning ear to ear and humming one of Dolly’s hits!

Here You Come Again is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 26 November to Saturday 30 November 2024 with evening and matinee performances.

Tickets cost from £24.50 with concessions available for 1894 Club Members, Groups and 18 to 26 year olds.

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

Heathers The Musical at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool

Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Gifts for Her, Theatre

Disclaimer: We received free tickets for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Watching Heathers The Musical at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool last night was like stepping into a bold mix of dark humour, nostalgia, and electric storytelling that was captivating from the very start. I haven’t seen the original 1988 film, but that didn’t matter as I was quickly drawn into the powerful story, which isn’t afraid to tackle tough themes head-on, using dark humour to explore the complex, often troubling side of teenage life. The show’s unique blend of ’80s aesthetics and a contemporary edge, created an atmosphere that seemed to reverberate with the audience, who embraced every scene with gusto.

The musical, just like the film, has gained a cult following and many of the audience were dressed in the ‘Heather’ uniform of brightly coloured, short kilts, knee-high socks and scrunchies which really added to the atmosphere in the theatre.

The Heathers (Esme Bowdler, Sedona Sky and Daisy Twells) in their perfectly coordinated blazers and skirts, commanded the stage with both elegance and intimidation, evoking the stylish allure of a high school clique. JD, on the other hand, wore a classic trench coat that brilliantly captured the cool, detached aesthetic of the 1980s anti-hero. His look, brooding, mysterious, and effortlessly rebellious, added a visual layer to his character’s complex and dangerous allure. The trench coat, especially in scenes where he faced off against the high school jocks, emphasised his outsider status and added to his dark charm.

The minimalist set design played a subtle yet powerful role, transforming smoothly from the high school setting to bedrooms and the graveyard.The lighting added an almost cinematic layer to the scenes, especially when Jenna Innes, as Veronica, stepped into her diary entries. The spotlight brought an intimacy to these moments, drawing us into her character’s vulnerable thoughts and struggles.

The canteen showdown between JD, Kurt, and Ram was one of my favourite scenes. The combination of dynamic lighting and sharp choreography brought a thrilling edge to the scene, capturing the humour and underlying tension of the moment.

Photo Credit Pamela Raith Photography

Jenna Innes’s portrayal of Veronica brought depth to a character who serves as the show’s moral compass yet finds herself constantly torn between rebellion and innocence. Her voice was strikingly powerful, yet controlled, handling the emotional rollercoaster of the character with nuance. JD’s character, played by Keelan McAuley, was equally compelling, blending charm and danger in a way that made his scenes both captivating and unpredictable.

With dark themes including murder and suicide, Heathers: The Musical is far from your typical feel-good musical, yet it works surprisingly well, delivering a darkly humorous and thoroughly entertaining exploration of high school’s pressures and contradictions. With catchy songs, sharp dialogue, and a cast that brought the story vividly to life, it’s a show that resonates deeply and stays with you long after the final curtain call, whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the story.

Heather The Musical is at The Grand Theatre,Blackpool until Saturday 2nd November, click here to book tickets.

Tickets from £17.50

Afternoon Tea at The Imperial Hotel, Blackpool

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Days Out, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Restaurant, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

Disclaimer: We received the afternoon tea free of charge for this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Opened in 1867, The Imperial Hotel in Blackpool is a charming Victorian establishment steeped in history, having hosted notable guests such as Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Anne, and even the Beatles. This grand hotel, with its impressive entrance, sits proudly along the seafront, a true reminder of Blackpool’s Victorian heyday when visitors flocked to enjoy the therapeutic seawater and Turkish baths.

The moment you step into the Imperial Hotel’s magnificent foyer, you are transported away from the bustle of daily life. The wood panelling and grand staircase set a refined atmosphere, promising an experience of timeless elegance.

We enjoyed afternoon tea in the Palm Court Restaurant, where the restaurant manager warmly welcomed us and led us to a table with a stunning view of the sea. After introducing us to the menu, he brought us each a glass of prosecco and a pot of tea. Once the tea had brewed, a classic three-tier cake stand appeared alongside a savoury plate featuring a small cup of delicious soup, a mini tomato and mozzarella quiche with beautifully crisp pastry and a homemade sausage roll with cranberries and thyme, served warm with wonderfully flaky puff pastry which was absolutely delicious.

The bottom tier of the cake stand was arranged with a selection of finger sandwiches on white and brown bread, with fillings of maple-cured ham with grain mustard, egg mayonnaise with watercress, mature cheddar with spring onion and roast turkey with smoked bacon, red onion, and mayonnaise. The sandwiches, served on soft, fresh bread, were full of flavour and very tasty. They weren’t sparing with the fillings either, which always gets a tick in my book.

The middle tier presented freshly baked scones with an array of accompaniments -clotted cream and strawberry jam for the cherry scones, and onion jam and chive butter for the Lancashire cheese scone. This savoury twist was a welcome change, particularly enjoyed by my husband, who doesn’t have a sweet tooth and really enjoyed his cheese scone. The scones were excellent with the perfect mix of crisp outer shell and soft (but not dense) centre.

On the top tier, a beautifully arranged selection of bite-sized pastries and cakes awaited. We were treated to a lemon Madeira drizzle with raspberry gel, a banoffee tart garnished with crisp banana and chocolate shavings, a mixed berry mess topped with mini meringue, and a mini-Eccles cake with candied orange. Each was delightful, with the Eccles cake emerging as our favourite.

By the time we had sampled all three tiers, we were pleasantly full and content to linger and soak in the elegant surroundings. And, for those who can’t quite finish, the hotel thoughtfully offers to box up any remaining treats for you to enjoy later.

We really enjoyed our afternoon tea at The imperial Hotel and being in such lovely surroundings made this afternoon tea experience that little bit more special.

With Blackpool Illuminations in full swing, now is the perfect time to experience this iconic seaside resort. Treat yourself to a delightful afternoon tea, then stroll through the world-famous Illuminations – you won’t be disappointed! To add a festive touch, a Christmas-themed afternoon tea will be available starting November 25th. Or, make a weekend of it by booking a stay in one of The Imperial Hotel’s charming rooms.

Afternoon Tea is served daily from 14:00 – 16:30 and costs £20.50 for adults and £12.00 for children. If you are in the mood for something fizzy then a glass of prosecco can be added for an additional £5.00 per head.