The Management at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre have pulled off a major coup securing a trio of national shows for 125^th anniversary.

At a high profile anniversary event, it was announced that this year, the theatre will host some of the country’s leading shows, including Woman in Black, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap and Thriller Live whilst Sir Ian McKellan will also be taking to the stage for his solo show.

Ruth Eastwood, chief executive at Blackpool Grand Theatre, said: “2019 is set to be a major year for Blackpool Grand Theatre.

“We had a tremendous turnout at our anniversary event and it featured a number of announcements. It is with great pride to secure high profile shows such as Woman in Black, The Mousetrap and Thriller Live. All three shows are huge coups for the theatre and shows the direction we are heading.”

The longest running show of any kind in the history of theatre – Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap starring Gwyneth Strong will hit the stage from 22^nd – 27^th July which coincides with The Grand’s official 125^th birthday week.

Theatre bosses are also excited to announce that following three spine-tingling decades of West End theatre it will open the 2019 tour of Susan Hill’s The Woman In Black (11th to 14th Sep).

In an already sold out event, Sir Ian McKellan visits on May 20^th, whilst Thriller Live comes to the stage on the 15th to 17th July.

The anniversary event itself saw more than 350 people from across the country turn out in force to celebrate the 125^th anniversary.

As well as confirming the 2019 events programme, other key announcements were also made including fundraising efforts to renovate the Grade II* listed building.

Speeches from Ruth and Amanda Thompson OBE, a patron of the theatre and managing director of Pleasure Beach Resort, also covered some of the outreach and education programmes the Grand Theatre are involved in, programmes which are leading the way in introducing people to the world of performing arts.

Whilst the final highlight of the event was a performance from Coronation Street star, Lucy Fallon, who sung a magnificent rendition of Don’t Cry For Me Argentina.

National Shows For 125th Anniversary – more information on the Blackpool Grand’s programme of events this year at blackpoolgrand.co.uk.