Blackpool Grand Theatre is offering some enchanting bedtime reading for families across the resort with the welcome return of The Grand’s famous ‘books on buses’ scheme on Blackpool Transport’s fleet of buses, as part of the theatre’s annual community literacy project.

The Grand Theatre has teamed up with Blackpool Transport once again to offer passengers an opportunity to pick up one of 130 FREE copies of the Tales From The Arabian Nights books on selected bus routes this December, featuring the magical tale of Aladdin, which is this year’s fun-packed pantomime at The Grand.

The Grand’s star-studded panto cast hopped onto an Aladdin-branded, double-decker bus outside the theatre on Friday 24 November to officially launch this year’s literacy partnership with a sprinkling of fairytale magic from Aladdin himself, along with lots of madcap antics from Tom Lister as the wicked Abanazar and Steve Royle as Wishee Washee!

Blackpool Grand is continuing its successful collaboration with Blackpool Transport to encourage youngsters to enjoy reading classic books as part of the theatre’s ongoing mission to boost literacy across the whole of the resort.

Chief Executive at Blackpool Grand Theatre, Adam Knight, said:

“The Grand Theatre takes huge pride in supporting the local community through a number of exciting projects, including through the annual literacy partnership. We are thrilled to be working with Blackpool Transport again to help drive this project home this Christmas! Our literacy programme is just one of our many community campaigns to encourage local children and students of all ages to enjoy reading and appreciate classic literature. We hope all the children and families enjoy reading them before visiting the theatre this December where our fabulous pantomime cast will bring the pages to life in a festive, fun-packed performance.”

Jane Cole, Managing Director, of Blackpool Transport Services, added:

“We’re excited to continue the tradition of bringing stories to our buses this year. Partnering with our friends at the Grand, we’re adding some magic to bus rides across the Fylde Coast by putting great stories on board. Whether you enjoy onboard or at home, we hope these stories make your day a little brighter during the festive season.”

The magical family pantomime Aladdin stars TV soap sensation and West End favourite Tom Lister (Emmerdale’s Carl King) as the wonderfully wicked magician Abanazar; Britain’s Got Talent finalist and panto family favourite Steve Royle as Wishee Washee; top stage actor Ben Harlow as Widow Twankey and K-pop superstar Moo Yi Kim as the beautiful Princess Jasmine, along with ever-popular stage performers Mervin Noronha as Aladdin, Liam Morris as the Genie, Amy Perry as Spirit of The Ring and Michael Robert-Lowe as the Emperor. What a treasure trove of top theatre talent!

Aladdin runs from Friday 1 December 2023 until Monday 1 January 2024 and will also be promoted across the bus signage and video screens to promote the performances.

Visit www.BlackpoolGrand.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01253 290190 – Tickets from £24. Group rates and family of four tickets are available.

Book your seats now before you miss out!

Limited availability for some performances! You can book HERE