This Easter the hills (and the coast) are alive with a dynamic new production of The Sound of Music, presented by Ensemble Theatre.

An ‘all time classic’ guaranteed to touch everyone’s heart.

Featuring Climb Ev’ry Mountain, Edelweiss and So Long, Farewell – This Oscar winning musical will be one of your ‘favourite things’ to see with all the family.

Willy Russel’s iconic musical BLOOD BROTHERS will open on Tuesday 23 April until Saturday 27 April. Followed by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s biblical JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT from Tuesday 28 May until Saturday 01 June 2019. Tickets for both go on-sale from 11am on Friday 07 September 2018.

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary BLOOD BROTHERS tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

Starring Olivier Award nominated British actress Linzi Hateley in the seminal role of Mrs Johnstone. Linzi has performed in countless West End productions including Mamma Mia, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Les Miserables, Chicago, Greece and Mary Poppins!”.

Mention Hello Dolly! and everyone thinks of the 1969 film starring Barbra Streisand.

Featuring the well-known songs Elegance, It Only Takes A Moment, Put On Your Sunday Clothes, It Takes A Woman and, of course, Hello Dolly, this fast-paced musical comedy is a show not to be missed.

Presented by Blackpool Operatic Players who performed Priscilla, Queen of the Desert in 2018.

Metta Theatre and Exeter Northcott Theatre present In The Willows The Hip-Hop Musical of Wind in the Willows.

With epic show tunes and killer beats, this classic story is brought popping and locking into the twenty first century in an extraordinary new hip-hop musical. Featuring fast bikes, fierce moves and fabulous vocals.

Mole’s first day in ‘The Willows’. The kids look a bit rough. Surely Mr Badger will look out for her, while hip-hop cool girl Rattie, rich kid rapper Toad and street-dancing Otter teach her the ways of the Riverbank. But when Toad gets locked up for joyriding the Weasel Clan break in and squat his pad, the Pool Hall. Now it’s only a matter of time before Chief Weasel reveals Mole’s dark secret…

A cracking live orchestral tour! Join everyone’s favourite dynamic duo as Wallace prepares to perform his musical masterpiece ‘My Concerto in Ee Lad’ with help from his faithful canine companion Gromit . . . what could possibly go wrong?!

This interactive experience features specially created animations as well as live orchestral accompaniment and escapades from the Picture House Orchestra and presenter Matthew Sharp. Followed by a screening of the Academy Award®️winning ‘Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers’ with the soundtrack performed by the orchestra live on stage, it’s set to be a grand day out for the whole family.

Having received critical acclaim for his performances in the West End and on Broadway in shows including Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera and the smash hit musical Hairspray, the radio and TV host has since sold millions of albums and toured multiple continents across the world.

The Classic BRIT Award winner’s album Together with Alfie Boe was Christmas Number 1 in 2016 and their second album Together Again in 2017 went straight to number one, boasting combined sales of more than 1 million copies. Now Michael Ball is set to embark on his next live solo project with a 2019 U.K. tour which promises an evening of entertainment. Don’t miss Michael Ball on his 2019 U.K. tour.

All You Need Is Love – The Discovery Of Beatlemania: Brand New for 2019

Get your ticket to ride and Let the cast of Viva Blackpool take you on a Magical mystery tour through the ages of one of the worlds most iconic bands!All you need is love is nostalgic trip down memory lane as we get inside the real story of Beatle Mania.

One of the nation’s best-loved entertainers, is back her phenomenal new live show. The BAFTA award-winning star of Cruising with Jane McDonald and Jane & Friends always delivers a stunning performance and along with her fantastic live band, guarantees to bring the audience to their feet with this evening of music and laughter! With a sell-out show at the Opera House Blackpool this year, book early to secure your seat for what promises to be another memorable evening.

Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical returns to the UK as part of a sell-out worldwide tour, having now been seen by over 30 million theatregoers.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe and featuring timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic-thrusting Time Warp, The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet.

When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter.

It’s an adventure they’ll never forget…

https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/rocky-horror-show-p932570

“ROCK OF AGES” is an LA love story lavished with over 25 classic rock anthems. Lose yourself in a city and a time where the dreams are as big as the hair, and yes, they can come true!

This hilarious musical comedy features the songs, including We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Here I Go Again, Can’t Fight this Feeling and I Want To Know What Love Is, played loud and proud by an awesome live band.

WARNING: CONTAINS SERIOUS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL DEBAUCHERY!

Now a global smash with extensive runs in London’s West End, on Broadway and in Las Vegas, the show has also been made in to a star studded Hollywood movie.

https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/rock-of-ages-p931290

Taking place on Lytham Green, featuring Pete Tong, Steps, Nile Rogers and Chic, Steps, Il Divo and many more.

https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/lytham-festival-p567600

Cat in the Hat
Come and see Dr Seuss’ Cat in the Hat in the wonderful outdoor setting at Memorial Park. For more information about this event check the Wyre Council facebook page.
https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/outdoor-theatre-cat-in-the-hat-p940160

Based on the Academy Award-winning film by Michael Arndt, Little Miss Sunshine is the off-beat musical comedy created by the Tony Award-winning team of James Lapine (who collaborated with Stephen Sondheim on Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George) and William Finn (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Falsettos).

This new production will be directed by the Arcola’s Artistic Director Mehmet Ergen with design by David Woodhead, lighting design by Richard Williamson, choreography by Anthony Whiteman and musical supervision by Mark Crossland.

The Hoover family has more than a few troubles, but young Olive has her heart set on winning the Little Miss Sunshine beauty contest. When an invitation to compete comes out of the blue, the Hoovers must pile into their rickety, yellow VW camper van. Can it survive the 800-mile trip from New Mexico to California – and more importantly, can they? This inventive and uplifting musical celebrates the quirks of every family, the potholes in every road, and the power of overcoming our differences.

https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/little-miss-sunshine-p934010

With just $800 borrowed from his family Berry Gordy founded Motown Records and launched the careers of legendary artists including Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Temptations, and many more.

This is the next chapter in Motown’s incredible history and is an experience you’ll never forget. Featuring over 50 classic hits including My Girl, What’s Going On, Dancing in the Street, I Heard It Through The Grapevine and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.

Motown The Musical tells the thrilling tale of the man who broke barriers, fought against the odds to create something more than a record label. Discover the story behind Motown, the personal relationships, the professional struggles, and – of course – the music that made history, defined the sound of a generation and got the whole world moving to the same beat.

https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/motown-the-musical-p933850

The free wristband ballot for the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On event in 2019 is open – click here to register today.

It follows the unprecedented demand for last year’s event when a capacity audience packed the Tower Festival Headland Arena to watch a spectacular five-hour concert featuring HRVY, Ella Eyre, Rae Morris, R3wire & Varski and Diversity, culminating in an unforgettable switch-on by international music star, Alfie Boe.

Since then, we have been swamped with requests for information on next year’s event, which will take place on Friday 30 August. It will once again feature a star-studded concert produced in association with MTV.

And the best thing is, it’s still free to register – all you have to do is enter the ballot to win wristbands.

Register here now – https://www.visitblackpool.com/things-to-do/blackpool-illuminations-and-lightpool/blackpool-illuminations-switch-on/

Watch this space for more details about the event and who will be flicking that famous swtich, which will be announced a little later in the year.

Join the eccentric Doctor, his human companions and his exotic menagerie of animal friends on an extraordinary adventure to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail, that holds the secret of life and making the world a happier place. With help from the Pushmi-Pullyu and his trusty sidekick Polynesia the parrot, the larger-than-life Doctor Dolittle teaches us not only to talk to the animals but to listen to them as well!

Based on the popular 1967 film with Rex Harrison, this stage version has music, book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. From the producers of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, this production promises stunning visual puppetry and fun for all the family.

https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/doctor-dolittle-the-musical-p932920

Produced by Fylde coast based, urban festival specialists Fit The Bill, in association with The Blackpool Entertainment Company, the festival will focus primarily on British Country and Americana artists to promote the wealth of talent in the UK and the impact they are having on the international music scene.

The festival will run from Friday through to Sunday afternoon. It is anticipated that around 100 performers will take place in the festival over the long weekend and the full line up will be announced in the New Year.

Martin Blore, Executive Producer from Fit The Bill said: “This is a very exciting time for British Country and Americana artists. Country music used to be synonymous with Nashville, but this is no longer the case as home-grown talent is now making its mark across the pond and attracting fans from all over the world. UK artists are being invited to play Nashville and they are also achieving chart success. We felt it was important to create a festival that promotes British Country and Americana artists and what better place for the party than in Blackpool during the illuminations!”

The festival will include music on various stages around the Winter Gardens complex including the Empress Ballroom and there will be dance workshops and demonstrations throughout the weekend.

A limited number of early bird tickets are on sale now before Christmas to include access to all the music stages from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon inclusive, priced at £60 per person. Discounted VIP packages are also available now at £90 each and include a priority access wristband, souvenir lanyard, free programme and access to a private viewing area and meet and greet with a select number of artists. Under 16’s tickets are priced at £35 per person and they must be accompanied by an adult.

https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/the-british-country-music-festival-p942870

With songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots takes you from the factory floor to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the shoe factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola – a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

West End star Kayi Ushe will be putting on the boots to play Lola. He will be joined by Paula Lane as Lauren, best known for her role as Kylie Platt in Coronation Street, and Joel Harper-Jackson, who recently starred in the The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time UK tour, will be playing Charlie Price.

Inspired by true events, this joyous story of Brit grit to high-heeled hit is the ‘Freshest, most fabulous, feel-good musical of the decade ‘ – The Hollywood News. It’s the ultimate fun night out for you and your loved ones, so book now and experience the energy, joy and laughter of this dazzling show.

https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/kinky-boots-the-musical-p932590

The iconic musical PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT is coming to the Opera House Blackpool. With more glitter than ever before, this smash-hit show features a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics including IT’S RAINING MEN, I WILL SURVIVE, I LOVE THE NIGHTLIFE and FINALLY!

Based on the Oscar-winning film, PRISCILLA is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for the Outback to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.

Sixties Gold 2019 returns with an even stronger line-up of artists that, between them, scored over 50 chart-topping UK hits.

From their beginning in Manchester in 1964, Herman’s Hermits has chalked up 23 Hit Singles, ten hit albums, appeared in three major movies and to date they have sold in excess of 75 Million records. This year is their 55th Anniversary tour.

Hits include: There’s A Kind of Hush, Silhouettes, Can’t You Hear My Heart Beat, Wonderful World, A Must to Avoid, and Many More.

The Merseybeats. Another success story from the Liverpool, Merseybeat boom years. Great memorable hit records including; Sorrow, I Think of You, and Wishin’ and Hopin’.

The Marmalade were the champions of the Scottish Beat in 1968, adding another dimension to the sound of the classic pop song, with great harmonies. Hits include: Lovin’ Things, Reflections of My Life, Falling Apart at The Seams, Cousin Norman, and their Lennon & McCartney composed No1 smash hit Ob-la-Di Ob-la-Da.

https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/sixties-gold-p935400

Rachel Watson longs for a different life.

Her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love. Or so it appears. When Rachel learns that the woman she’s been secretly watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated.

Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ novel – an international phenomenon selling over twenty million copies worldwide, this gripping new play will keep you guessing until the final moment.

https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/girl-on-the-train-p943300

Experience sumptuous harmonies in an idyllic, festive setting…

After sell-out tours in 2017 & 2018, G4 return in 2019 with their biggest and best Christmas tour to date!

With a series of 28 shows in beautiful venues nationwide, these intimate performances see G4 recall the musical experiences of their childhoods.

Expect to hear timeless classics such as When A Child is Born, Silent Night and All I Want For Christmas, as well as delightful medleys to evoke the Christmas spirit, all delivered up-close and personal in some of the UK’s most iconic historical venues.

VIP tickets are available, including a pre-show Meet & Greet with G4 at 6pm for all “G4 Christmas” tour dates.

https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/g4-christmas-p942510