The Grand Theatre Blackpool is pleased to announce a new season of contemporary dance and physical theatre for spring and summer 2015 with productions from some of the most innovative and acclaimed companies.
In 2015 The Grand also launches its new Dance Pass – offering regular dance attenders a discount on seeing 2 or more shows from DV8 Physical Theatre, Ultima Vez and BalletBoyz.

JOHN – DV8 Physical Theatre
Lloyd Newson, Artistic Director of DV8 Physical Theatre, interviewed more than 50 men, asking them frank questions about love and sex. One of those men was John. DV8 uses innovative staging techniques, poignant movement and the real-life word-by-word account from John’s interview to create a new verbatim dance piece.
This show recreates John’s difficult but captivating life story so far. From a troubled upbringing to his quest for love and friendship, JOHN takes the audience through his struggle to survive against a backdrop of crime, violence and drug use. With moments of humour and humanity, John’s search for companionship converges with others in an unexpected place…

★★★★★ ‘Explosive. Magnificently performed.’
-Kurier

Please note: JOHN contains adult themes, strong language and nudity. Suitable for 16yrs+

What the Body Does Not Remember – Ultima Vez
The amazing debut of WimVandekeybus and UltimaVez in 1987 stunned the world of dance at the time and received the prestigious Bessie Award in New York for What the Body Does Not Remember. 28 years later and with a new cast, the show still stands as one of the most exciting pieces of dance ever made.

Vandekeybus’ first piece of choreography balances on the razor edge of attraction and repulsion. Dancers are driven to act and react at high speed and with split-second timing, to each other, and the music. Moments of humour thread through explosions of aggression, fear and danger in this adrenaline-fuelled distinctly physical performance.

TheTALENT – BalletBoyz
The all-male ballet group BalletBoyz was founded in 2000 and was nominated for the 2001 and 2003 South Bank Show dance awards. Under the direction of former Royal Ballet dancers Michael Nunn OBE and William Trevitt OBE, new show theTALENT has become one of the hottest dance tickets around, with rave reviews and sell out performances around the world.
This show features two new commissions from leading British choreographers: The Murmuring by Alexander Whitley, and Mesmerics by Christopher Wheeldon. Performed by the 10-strong cast of incredible male dancers, theTALENT promises an evening of style, excitement and muscular grace.

‘A wonderfully bonded ensemble who move with passion and presence…’
– The Times

In addition to the shows included in the Dance Pass, The Grand also welcomes further dance and physical theatre shows for children and adults.

Madame Butterfly with Perpetuum Mobile – Northern Ballet
Northern Ballet returns to The Grand as part of their ongoing partnership with a new ballet for adults for the first time since 2000. The heartbreakingly tragic Madame Butterfly was the inspiration for the world famous musical Miss Saigon. It follows the doomed love affair between an American Naval Lieutenant and his young Japanese bride, Butterfly, whose world falls apart when she is abandoned and betrayed. The show is completed with a performance of Perpetuum Mobile (Perpetual Motion) – an athletic piece specially designed to show off the dancers at their athletic best.

Elves and the Shoemaker – Northern Ballet
Following their successes with Three Little Pigs (2014) and Ugly Duckling (2013), Northern Ballet presents another magical fairytale for children – Elves and the Shoemaker. A poor and kind-hearted shoemaker receives some much-needed help when his last piece of leather is transformed by a couple of hardworking elves overnight. But not only are the shoes beautiful, they are also magical!

Hercules – New Art Club, with Dance4 and Nottingham Playhouse
Hercules is best known for his incredible strength. But who knew the guy could dance? THIS story of Hercules is told through hilarious dance routines and amazing speciality acts. It’s a modern cabaret the whole family will enjoy. Hercules is a pantomime, a comic take on history, and a party all rolled into one side-splitting adventure. With a cast of stunning professional performers and talented local dancers, this irreverent, innovative and life-affirming show will have audiences up on their feet!

‘Children and big kids alike will love it’
– Left Lion

In July the Arts Council England granted the continued support of The Grand Theatre for the next three years to support and develop a programme of dance and physical theatre. Despite substantial cuts to many theatres, The Grand is one of only a handful of organisations that has seen its NPO funding increase by 37%.
The Arts Council’s National Portfolio Organisations represent some of the best arts practice in the world, and they play a vital role in helping ACE meet their mission of Great art and culture for everyone. ACE are determined to fund organisations at a level at which they can continue to produce the excellent and innovative art that audiences want and deserve.

• JOHN – Thurs 12 & Fri 13 March, 7:30pm
• What the Body Does Not Remember – Fri 20 March, 7:30pm
• TheTALENT – Sat 16 May, 7:30pm
• Madame Butterfly – Tues 26 & Weds 27 May, 7:30pm
• Elves and the Shoemaker – Weds 27 May, 12:30pm & 2:15pm
• Hercules – Tues 23 June, 1:30pm & 7pm

Grand Theatre Blackpool
Ticket prices available at blackpoolgrand.co.uk

NEW Dance Pass!
Book for 2 dance productions pay just £35.00 (saving £4), Book for 3 pay just £51.00 (saving £7.50).
Productions included: DV8 JOHN, Ultima Vez What The Body Does Not Remember and BalletBoyz TheTALENT.
Offer only on top-priced tickets.
In line with legislation our £1.50 booking fee is now INCLUDED in all stated ticket prices. The Grand Theatre has an ‘open’ policy regarding the fees that is charges and what they are for.

Call Box Office on 01253 74 33 39 or visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk
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