Light up dark winter nights with breathtaking Ballet and outstanding Opera productions at Blackpool Grand Theatre. These thrilling theatre classics are the perfect New Year treat…

Escape into the sheer magic and searing passion of theatre classics as beautiful Ballet and incredible live Opera return to Blackpool Grand Theatre for 2024.

Exquisite classical ballet productions delight the senses with award-winning soloists and impressive corps-de-ballet; while magnificent operas bring stunning sets, sumptuous costumes and the thrill of a full live orchestra. This is unmissable theatre!

Varna International Ballet & Orchestra dance back into The Grand in January with unforgettable performances from world-class ballet stars. Fall in love with the enchanting tale of Sleeping Beauty on Friday 12 January, fly to get tickets for the greatest romantic ballet of all time as Swan Lake is brought beautifully to life on Saturday 13 January by Tchaikovsky’s haunting score, and treat the whole family to the most famous of fantasy ballets The Nutcracker on Sunday 14 January.

Ukrainian National Opera bring Puccini’s tragically beautiful romance La Bohème on Sunday 4 February, featuring an impressive cast and a live orchestra numbering over 30 musicians.

This passionate story of love at first sight is set in the Bohemian district of 19th century Paris and features many famous arias including Your Tiny Hand is Frozen, They Call Me Mimi and Muzetta’s Waltz, all performed by the renowned Dnipro Opera, from Ukraine. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Highly acclaimed Opera producer Ellen Kent also returns in Spring 2024 with the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv to present spectacular productions of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Bizet’s Carmen, featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv with international soloists, highly praised chorus and a full orchestra.

It’s One Fine Day at The Grand as Puccini’s award-winning Madama Butterfly is back by overwhelming public demand on Thursday 29 February in an exciting new production featuring extraordinary stage sets, including a spectacular Japanese garden.  Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

A dazzling production of Bizet’s Carmen on Saturday 23 March brings an evening of passion, sexual jealousy, death and unforgettable arias including The Toreador’s Song, Carmen’s enticing Habanera, and Don José’s lyrical Flower Song. This dazzling production of Bizet’s masterpiece tells the story of the bewitching gypsy girl whose tantalising beauty lures a soldier to desertion and leads to her own murder. Sung in French with English surtitles.

Theatre audiences historically hold a deep love for live opera and ballet performances. But why do theatre audiences love the classics and why do these art forms continue to captivate and enchant audiences?

Emotional Impact: Opera and ballet are renowned for their ability to evoke powerful emotions. The combination of music, vocal expression, and dance allows for a heightened emotional experience that resonates deeply with the viewer. The expressive power of opera singers and the graceful movements of ballet dancers can create a profound connection between the performers and the audience.

Aesthetic Beauty: Both opera and ballet are visually stunning art forms. Elaborate costumes, intricate choreography, and impressive set designs contribute to a visually rich and captivating experience. The sheer beauty of the performances often leaves audiences in awe, appreciating the meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the production.

Cultural Richness: Opera and ballet have rich cultural histories and traditions. Audiences often appreciate the opportunity to engage with and experience the heritage of these art forms. The timeless stories, historical context, and the preservation of cultural traditions contribute to the enduring appeal of opera and ballet.

Technical Mastery: The technical skill required by opera singers and ballet dancers is awe-inspiring. The vocal range and control of opera singers, as well as the athleticism, precision, and flexibility of ballet dancers, showcase a level of mastery that commands admiration. Audiences appreciate witnessing such high levels of skill and dedication.

Live Orchestra: The use of live orchestras in opera and ballet performances adds another layer of enchantment. The power and nuance of a live musical accompaniment enhance the overall experience, providing a dynamic and immersive sonic environment that cannot be replicated by recorded music.

Storytelling: Both opera and ballet are narrative art forms that tell stories through music, movement, and sometimes lyrics. The ability to convey complex narratives through these mediums allows for a unique and engaging form of storytelling that appeals to a wide range of audiences.

Escape and Fantasy: Opera and ballet productions often transport audiences to different worlds, whether it’s a mythical realm, a historical period, or a romantic setting. The ability to escape into these fantastical or emotionally charged environments provides a welcome break from the everyday and adds an element of magic to the theatrical experience.

Book your tickets now for classical Ballet and Opera at The Grand to experience unparalled emotional depth, aesthetic allure, cultural significance, technical mastery, and the overall immersive and enchanting nature of these exquisite art forms.

• And don’t forget! You can pre-book bottles of ice-chilled sparkling Prosecco, fragrant fresh flowers and delicious chocolate truffles to treat your loved ones to the theatrical experience of a lifetime!

Please call the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 290190 or visit www.BlackpoolGrand.co.uk for full listings, bookings and further information.