***PRESS RELEASE*** 07/08/07
NEW SEASON AT THE GRAND
Lancaster’s hidden gem, the historic Grand Theatre on St Leonardgate has announced a
new season to be proud of. The new Season for 2008 once more brings famous names in
excellent professional shows to the city, as well as some wonderful local talent in a
season which has something for everyone - from drama and dance to music and musicals,
as well as comedy and community events. The Season kicks off Sunday Jan 27th at 2.30pm
with the Alysia Gilda School of Dance and their new show Dance Crazy 08 . Following this
uplifting spectacle of dance we move into the early years of the twentieth century with
New Prospectives Theatre Company. Set In rural Cumbria the award winning musical drama
The Hired Man tells the timeless, moving story of a young married couple and their struggle to carve a living from the land. Written by
Melvyn Bragg and Howard Goodall and based on the life of Bragg’s Grandfather, this is haunting, thrilling stirring stuff. The Hired Man
runs from Thurs 31st Jan- Sat 2nd Feb. Lancaster Footlights start their year with a bang, in more ways than one, with Ben Elton’s satirical
comedy Popcorn promising Sex, Violence and lots more This Adults Only show charts an evening in the life of Oscar winning Director Bruce
Delamitri and a visit by “My babies” The Mall Murderers. This cutting edge production runs 12th – 16th Feb.
As half term fast approaches family fun comes to the grand with Does a Monster Live Next Door? Story telling, humour and music for Children
and their grown ups presented by Tall Stories Mon 18th Feb at 11.00 am. We are lead to believe Childrens’ favourite Sooty will be driving his own
articulated lorry, when he and his friends Butch, Sweep and Sue visit the Grand on Weds 20th Feb. Sooty’s Magic Wand Factory brings Sooty,
who is 60 years young this year, to Lancaster for “Buckets of laughter, mess and water!” The fantastic comedian Phil Cool is returning to the
Grand on 22nd Feb. With his bang up to date new show. With more than 30 years performing experience this is your chance to see this
incomparable comic at his best. 1st March sees another favourite family show storming back to the area. Circus Hilarious is exactly what it
says on the box, Hilarious circus acts adapted for the stage by Clive Webb of TISWAS fame and his multi talented family and crew. Laugh out loud.
Ben Elton’s work comes to the fore again with We Will Rock You the hit west end musical with the Music of Queen driving Imagine Musical
Theatre Academy to a thumping beat 2nd - 4th Feb. Reform Theatre Company also return after the success of last years Like a Virgin.
September In The Rain tells the story of Jack and Liz and their annual trip to Blackpool. Classic comedy drama by John Godber 5th March.
Local amateur society Red Rose follow last year’s success with The Boyfriend with an ambitious production of Funny Girl the story of
Fanny Brice: 10th-15th March. Another blast from the past visits the area as award winning performer and entertainer Richard Digance
takes the stage 16th March.
The Grand are proud to bring Heritage Opera to the town centre with a superb classic Elixer of Love by Donizetti - the first opera at the
theatre for many years: 22nd March. Faye Tozer of Steps fame brings to life the compelling musical telling the story of legendary artist Eva
Cassidy in Over The Rainbow: The Eva Cassidy Story 24th-26th March. Following the sounds of Eva Cassidy we have the Nick Ross Orchestra
with The sounds of the Glen Miller Era 29th March. Comedian Justin Moorhouse, stand-up and star of Phoenix Nights brings his own brand of
humour to Lancaster 30th March. On 3rd April one of Ireland’s most dynamic performers Dominic Kirwan appears in concert with SPECIAL GUEST
Colm Kirwan. Ballet returns to the Grand with the European Ballet production of the classic Sleeping Beauty on April 5th. . A quick blink
and we’re back at School Holidays with Tall Stories “The Gruffalo” - songs laughs and scary fun for children - let your imagination run wild
between 11th and 12th April. Footlights stand to attention with Dads Army in April. Follow the adventures of all your favourite characters in the
40th anniversary year of this T.V. Classic (22nd - 26th April) From April 28th-22nd Heysham Operatic present Die Fledemaus. More Music from
Mad About the Musicals 3rd May. LADOS return with the outstanding musical Singin’ in The Rain on 26th . Continuing with bringing the best of
comedy to Lancaster 14th may brings Jenny Éclair Perrier award winning stand up with her because I forgot to get a pension tour fresh from
sell out dates in 2007 Michael McIntyre visits 16th May stand up and host of Live at the Apollo.
Footlights’ 3rd production this year brings us George Orwells famous political novel brought to life with Animal farm 21st-23rd May. After previous
successes including the renowned brassed off Morecambe band give us an evening of Brass At The Grand 24th May. Following fashion with the
new passion for exotic dancing we bring Strictly Bellydance 30th May. And a complete change with The Meatloaf Trilogy a new show by
Steve Steinman creator of the meatloaf story and Vampires Rock.31st May. As we turn to June and the Cricket season footlights present
Outside Edge; 10th-14th June. Traditional musical returns with Morecambe Amateurs and The King and I from June 17th-21st.. July and something
for the whole family with Alice in Wonderland adapted by the Footlights own Ginny Scott 1st-5th July. Sunday 6th July brings us famous Abba
tribute Abba 2. A Summer Music Hall starring Bunny Lewis arrives on 9th July. Dance Schools return with Showtime with JB School of Dance
On 12th July.The end of July sees After Dark Theatre Company returning with a New tense Chiller Safe? on 17th-19th July.
That can’t be all you may ask yourself and it isn’t! To promote our NEW SPACES Appeal keep your eyes open for our spectacular fundraising
activities.
With such a varied programme of entertainment, there’s surely something to warn every heart this Season at the Grand.
BOX OFFICE: 01524 64695.
For press enquiries please contact Terry Doyle at terry@lancastergrand.co.uk or call 01524 845230.
