Blackpool Grand Theatre and Blackpool Transport are offering some enchanting bedtime reading for families across the resort with the welcome return of ‘books on buses’ as part of the annual community literacy partnership.

The theatre has teamed up with Blackpool Transport once again to offer passengers an opportunity to pick up one of 230 FREE copies of Grimm’s Fairy Tale books on selected bus routes this December, featuring the magical tale of Sleeping Beauty, which is this year’s fun-packed pantomime at The Grand.

The Grand’s star-studded panto cast hopped onto a Sleeping Beauty-branded double-decker bus outside the theatre to officially launch this year’s literacy partnership with a sprinkling of fairytale magic from the Sleeping Beauty herself and lots of madcap antics from Steve Royle as Silly Billy!

The Grand is continuing its successful collaboration with Blackpool Transport to encourage youngsters to enjoy reading classic books as part of the partnership’s continued support to boost literacy across the resort.

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

As in previous years, it is an absolute delight to host these fantastic fairy tales on our buses for customers to read on their journeys or at home. Working with our partners the Grand Theatre, we’re proud to help spread that extra bit of magic across the Fylde Coast this festive season. Be it a bus read or bedtime story, we hope everyone, young or old, enjoys the tales.

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

The Grand is truly delighted to be working with Blackpool Transport again to help boost literacy skills across the community.  The theatre takes great pride in being an important part of the local community and this latest literacy project is just one of many campaigns as part of our mission to encourage local children and students of all ages to enjoy reading and appreciate classic literature. And what better way than with books that relate to this year’s magical family pantomime!  We hope the children and families really enjoy them before coming to the theatre where our fabulous cast will bring the story to life for them in a fun-packed performance.

The magical family pantomime Sleeping Beauty stars TV sensation Hayley Tamaddon (Dancing on Ice, Emmerdale) sprinkling seasonal magic as the Good Fairy; top panto and stand-up comedy star Steve Royle as Silly Billy; Philip Meeks (Emmerdale, Heartbeat, Doctors) as Dame Nursie; award-winning actor and director Daniel Taylor as The King; Josh Belward (Skin Deep) as The Prince; Christina Meehan (Around The World In 80’s Days) as the Bad Fairy Carabosse and Maisie Sellwood making her professional debut as the beautiful Princess Rose, all live on the Grand Theatre’s famous stage.

Sleeping Beauty runs until Sunday 1 January 2023 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 Matinee and evening performances. Tickets from £22. Group rates and family of four tickets are available.

Book your seats now before you miss out! Limited availability for some performances!