A record year for Blackpool Grand’s Christmas panto

It was a record breaking year for the Christmas pantomime at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre.

Sleeping Beauty saw a 30% increase in group bookings and a 10% increase in revenue, having welcomed record-breaking numbers customers during its 51 show run.

The family show featured stand-up star Steve Royle (Britain’s Got Talent); Dancing on Ice champion and Emmerdale star Hayley Tamaddon; celebrated playwright and top soap screenwriter Philip Meeks (Emmerdale, Heartbeat, Doctors); award-winning actor and director Daniel Taylor; top theatre stars Josh Belward (Skin Deep, Top Hat, Thoroughly Modern Millie) and Christina Meehan (Stepping Out, Around The World In 80’s Days) and the marvellous Maisie Sellwood making her professional debut as the beautiful Princess Rose – all put together by the talented creative team from Martin Dodd of UK Productions Ltd.

Adam Knight, Grand Theatre Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled so many local and regional families joined us to create such a milestone and a record-breaking year for pantomime at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre this year. This helps the theatre to develop its programme further for children and families throughout the year. Over 10,000 children engaged with the show this year including a 28% increase in schools attendance.

“This year’s programme for families includes Around The World in 80 Days, Tales From Acorn Word, Tin Man, Fireman Sam, Northern Ballet’s Ugly Duckling, Unexpected Twist, Breakin’ Convention, Ministry of Science, Winnie the Pooh, Pop Princesses, and, of course, next year’s incredible pantomime Aladdin from Martin Dodd and UK Productions starring panto legend Steve Royle.

“I’d like to personally thank Martin Dodd and his team at UK Productions for their continued support of the Theatre, providing Blackpool’s No.1 Pantomime year-after-year.”

Martin Dodd, UK Productions Producer said “I’m delighted that our pantomime production of Sleeping Beauty has once again created a record-breaker for Blackpool’s Grand Theatre this Christmas. The team at The Grand put a huge amount of effort to promote the show all year round and deliver an experience second to none.

‘’Together we’ve created the best family experience in the town at Christmas with thousands of families attending year after year. Huge thanks must go to the families, schools and groups that attend every year. One family said to me that this was their 20th year bringing three generations! It’s a delight to know we’ve been entertaining them for so long. I’d also like to send my huge thanks to all the cast, front-of-house team, creatives, musicians and crew who make the production what it was”.

The Grand has confirmed that Aladdin will be the 2023 festive offering, with a run beginning on December 1.