It’s International Fairy Day today!  

Blackpool Grand Theatre is marking this most magical occasion by announcing TV and stage sensation HAYLEY TAMADDON will be casting an enchanting spell this Christmas as the glittering Fairy Godmother in this year’s fantastic family pantomime CINDERELLA from Friday 6 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025.

Tickets are already flying out with some performances already offering limited availability!

BOOK NOW for Cinderella

Much-loved actress Hayley Tamaddon wowed TV audiences when she took the top spot in ITV’s smash-hit reality skating show Dancing on Ice alongside childhood friend Dan Whiston. The multi-talented performer also scooped the top prize in Celebrity Stars in Your Eyes and has starred in countless West End productions from Chicago to Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and top TV dramas from Coronation St and Emmerdale to Shameless.

Hayley is overjoyed to be joining Britain’s Got Talent finalist and family favourite Steve Royle in Cinderella’s magnificent tale of rags to riches this year. She said: “I am so thrilled to be back at the beautiful Grand Theatre once again. It really is the home of Blackpool’s No. 1 pantomime and to be able to tell everyone this exciting news on International Fairy Day makes it feel even more special and magical. It will be so wonderful for my little boy to see me every day in my beautiful sparkling costume as the Fairy Godmother and I hope everyone who comes to see me this year will be just as bewitched!”

Steve added: “I’m always excited about The Grand pantomime but I get even more excited when I hear I’m working with an old friend. We had such a laugh together during the Sleeping Beauty panto and we’ve already started planning some crazy stuff to do together…oh yes we have! Add to that the fact we’ve got local legends Jamie & Taz back as the Ugly Sisters and it means you’re all in for a real treat this Christmas!”

International Fairy Day takes place every year on 24 June to honour the mythical winged creatures that have captivated us for generations with their whimsical stories and magical powers. In nearly every culture there is some reference to a spirit or spritely creature who performs good or evil deeds depending on its nature. Tales of fairies and pixies and more also offer an escape from reality and take us on exciting adventures. So, grab your wand, say you believe and get ready to take flight on this special day to celebrate fairies everywhere!

International Fairy Day – Celebration Ideas

• Pick out your favourite fairytale and share it with friends and family. Why not pick a  timeless classic like Charles Perrault’s Cinderella?
• Get the whole family together, cuddle up, grab some popcorn and enjoy a fabulous fairy movie. It doesn’t even have to be a Disney film like Tinkerbell or Maleficent; many feature films also include fairies in some way such as Stardust or Willow
• Make or buy yourself a fairy costume, strap on some sparkly wings and spread the fairy spirit
• Create your own magical world with an outdoor fairy garden. Gather up some small plants and decorations, add some sparkle and make your own enchanted space
• Book tickets to the fabulous fairy-filled pantomime at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre!

The Blackpool Grand pantomime is always a laugh-a-minute extravaganza with stunning sets, top musical hits, amazing costumes and exciting special effects to keep audiences both young and old entertained!  This year’s Cinderella is truly a festive treat for all the family you won’t want to miss!

Cinderella would love to go to the ball, but the Ugly Sisters, Melody and Harmony Hard-Up, have other ideas and they wickedly tear up Cinderella’s invitation! But all may not be lost!  Can Cinderella’s ‘bestest friend in the whole wide world’ Buttons, and her magical Fairy Godmother get Cinders to the ball? But she must be home by the stroke of midnight, or her true identity will be revealed to all…

Pantomime Produce, Martin Dodd, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to be bringing back everybody’s favourite pantomime story, Cinderella, to the beautiful Grand Theatre, and we couldn’t think of a more perfect Fairy Godmother to make all your dreams come true than the wonderfully talented Hayley Tamaddon. Alongside our very own Steve Royle, we know audiences will have a ball, so don’t miss out on your ticket, as every year they get snapped up faster and faster!”

Blackpool Grand Theatre Chief Executive, Adam Knight, said: “I am thrilled to be presenting another outstanding No.1 pantomime for Blackpool with Martin Dodd. It will be a magical experience for all this Christmas with such shining stars as Hayley and Steve leading a magnificent cast. Following the incredible near-sellout success last year, all I can say is, get your tickets now and you shall go to the ball!”

Wish you had booked earlier for this year’s pantomime?  Your Grand Fairy Godmother is here to save the day on International Fairy Day!

Cinderella flies into Blackpool Grand Theatre from Friday 6 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025 starring TV’s Hayley Tamaddon and Britain’s Got Talent finalist, top comic and panto favourite Steve Royle as Buttons, alongside dazzling dame duo Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph returning as the gorgeous Ugly Sisters, Melody and Harmony Hard-Up. And of course, the Sensational Shetland Ponies… Further casting to be announced.

Book now as tickets are already selling fast with some performances already offering limited availability.

Please call the Box Office on 01253 290190 or visit www.BlackpoolGrand.co.uk for bookings and further information. Matinee and evening performances available.

• Accessible performances will also be available, with an extra special relaxed pantomime performance on Sunday 29 December at 5pm.