What's on this April at Blackpool Grand Theatre

Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine – Tuesday 1 April to Saturday 5 April at 7.30pm.

Thursday & Saturday matinee at 2.30pm 

Audio Described Performance Sat 5 Apr 2:30pm.

Willy Russell’s iconic one-woman show will jet into Blackpool this month starring TV favourite Mina Anwar (The Thin Blue Line, The Worst Witch, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie). This acclaimed new production has been cleverly reset in Lancashire at the request of the actress and tells the heartwarming and hilarious tale of downtrodden housewife Shirley who leaves her troubles (and husband) behind to seek adventure on a sun-soaked Greek holiday. It’s Shirley as you’ve never seen her before, and you’d be a fool to miss this! Tickets from £15 with group rates available and concessions for 1894 Club members.

Flowers and Friendship Bracelets – Sunday 6 April 3pm

Get ready to Shake It Off to a dazzling explosion of music, dance, and excitement at this ulltimate pop concert celebrating the biggest hits from the hottest artists of the moment. Sing along to all your favourite songs from Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter as the talented performers delight the audience in this incredible concert with a huge pop party to finish the show! It’s the ultimate concert experience and will create unforgettable memories for children and families. Don’t forget those friendship bracelets! Tickets from £23.50.

Handbagged – Tuesday 8 April to Saturday 12 April at 7.30pm

Thursday & Saturday matinee at 2.30pm - Audio Description available on all performances

BSL Interpreted Performance on Saturday 12 Apr 2:30pm

Pre-Show Afternoon Tea Thursday & Saturday at 1pm

Moira Buffini’s fiercely funny comedy is a fly-on-the-wall look at what might have happened when Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher came face-to-face in the privacy of the palace during their weekly meetings. Over the course of a decade did the Monarch and the Iron Lady ever find a common ground, or did their stiff upper lips reign supreme? This highly entertaining production explores the intense relationship between two of history’s most revered female leaders, and the legacy they each left behind. Her Majesty will see you now… Tickets from £15 with school/group rates available and concessions for 1894 Club members and Friends of The Grand.

Omid Djalili: Namaste – Sunday 13 April at 8pm

The Persian comedy powerhouse performs his critically acclaimed new show where Omid peacefully bows to his inner anger and unleashes a torrent of comedic vitriol upon the current state of this dangerously messed up planet. No government gets a green card. No tyrant avoids a take down. No audience member leaves the theatre with an ounce of laughter left in them. You have been warned… All tickets £33.

Guys & Dolls – Blackpool Operatic Players – Wednesday 16 April to Saturday 19 April at 7.30pm

Friday & Saturday matinee at 2pm

Take a wild ride through Damon Runyon’s mythical New York for a night of dazzling entertainment, heart-pounding excitement and unforgettable tunes. Step into the bustling streets where gamblers, showgirls and missionaries collide in one hilarious, high-stakes adventure! Nathan Detroit is scrambling to pull off the largest craps game in town, but his fiancée Adelaide is growing tired of waiting for a wedding after 14 long years of engagement. And then there’s Sky Masterson - a suave gambler who bets he can woo the straight-laced Sarah Brown – and takes us from the neon lights of Times Square to the sultry cafes of Havana, Cuba! Tickets from £20. Recommended from ages 12+

Country Superstars – Sunday 20 April from 7.30pm.

Hightail it back through time to meet the icons who shaped country music history with this truly unique show hosted by TV and West End star Sarah Jayne - Europe’s leading tribute to the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton. This sensational show is endorsed by Dolly herself and also features award-winning impersonations of Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Billie Jo Spears, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, Garth Brooks, John Denver, Glen Campbell and Shania Twain alongside The Country Superstars Band. Tickets from £27.75. Recommended for ages 3+

National Theatre Connections Festival – Monday 21 April to Wednesday 23 April

Each year, The National Theatre commissions exciting new plays for young people to perform pieces from some of the UK’s most exciting new writers. The Grand is proud to host five local young theatre groups taking part, including our very own Grand Young Company:

No Regrets by Gary McNair - Monday 21 April from 6.30pm

Over the course of five years, playwright Gary McNair spoke to people at all stages and in all walks of life on the subject of regret. This powerful play marks the results of those conversations. Content warnings: Strong language, description of violence, mention of alcohol and addiction, one scene of a mugging and stabbing, references to death

Followed by YOU 2.0 by Alys Metcalf

Strangers Martha and Isaac find themselves forced into playing YOU 2.0, a new therapy video game designed to help players access their better selves. As they tackle the levels, the pair form an unlikely friendship. Content warnings: Discussion of mental health, illusion to self-harm, mild language, discussion of bereavement, references to chronic illness.

Normalised by Amanda Verlaque - Tuesday 22 April from 6.30pm

How do you protect a memory against a homophobic bully, when the bully is your own brother? Content warnings: Strong language, references to death, themes of grief, references to and depictions of homophobia, depictions of bullying and violence.

Followed by The Company of Tress by Jane Bodie

When new girl Willow moves into town, the popular gang at school don’t welcome her. But when gang leader, Taylor, has a spectacular gymnastic accident, leaving her bed-bound, her once loyal gang begin to drop away. Content warnings: Strong language, themes of bullying, references to physical injury, references to the loss of a parent

Mia and The Fish by Satinder Chohan - Wednesday 23 April from 6.30pm

A modern retelling of the ancient Indian myth Manu and the Fish. Mia is a young refugee girl who is washed up onto the shores of the UK. Against the backdrop of a freak winter heatwave, Mia happens upon and nurtures a talking fish. Content warnings: Discussion of the climate emergency, references to displacement and refugees, mild language. All National Theatre Connections tickets £7 with concessions available.

The Sensational Sixties Experience – Thursday 24 April at 7.30pm

Rock back to the sensational 60s for timeless classics from 60s stars Dozy Beaky Mick & Tich, The Trems (featuring Jeff Brown), Spencer James (lead singer with The Searchers), The Fortunes and Vanity Fare. Whether you come to relive your childhood memories or you just simply want to see what your parents have been raving about for all these years this is the show to see. Packed full of hits including The Legend Of Xanadu, Silence Is Golden, Everlasting Love, Storm In A Teacup, Hitchin’ A Ride, plus many more. Not to be missed! Tickets £37.50

Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners – Sunday 16 March at 7.30pm.

Have an unforgettable night out steeped in song, story and revelry celebrating Ireland’s favourite musical sons The Dubliners in authentic style. This celebrated production perfectly invokes the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, John Sheahan, Ciaran Bourke and Jim McCann. It’s the ultimate feel-good Irish show with plenty of Craic direct from the West End. Tickets from £24.

A Star is Born – Saturday 26 April at 7pm and Sunday 27 April at 1pm & 6pm

This inspiring show from Amanda Rogers School of Dance and Performing Arts follows a young person’s dream of becoming a star, capturing all the excitement, challenges, and triumphs along their journey. With breathtaking choreography and live musical performances, this is a story of dreams, friendship, transformation, and the drive to shine. Three thrilling performances lead up to an electrifying curtain call that celebrates the power of becoming a star. Tickets from £20.50 with concessions for under 12s.

RSC First Encounters – The Tempest – Monday 28 April at 1.30pm & 7pm and Tuesday 29 April at 10am & 1.30pm

Bring the classics beautifully to life for younger ones with this very accessible RSC’s First Encounters adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play about families, magic and forgiveness.

A perfect storm brings a feuding family and a king together on a magical island. This 80-minute edited version of the original play is the perfect first introduction for young people aged 7-13 and their families to the incredible work of The Bard. Tickets £12.50. Under 18s and Schools £5 with free teacher places available.

Theatre Heritage Tour – Backstage Secrets – Wednesday 30 April at 10.30am

Take an in-depth look at the dazzling delights of this much-loved local treasure and Frank Matcham’s masterpiece. Discover the backstage workings of the theatre including the Stalls, Dress Circle, Walkway, Royal Box, Stage Door, Fly Floor, Gallery, Dressing Rooms, Matcham Court and, of course, the Stage. Revel in the stunning scenery in the theatre’s spectacular auditorium and more, then relax and discuss your intriguing findings over delicious cake and tea in our magnificent Dress Circle bar following the 90-minute tour. Tickets £20. Recommended for ages 6+ Involves stairs.

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