A Star-Studded Event Planned For 80s Days PREMIERE

Blackpool’s Grand Theatre is planning a star-studded event to celebrate their 80s Days PREMIERE

The UK Premiere of Around The World in 80s Days, which will take place on the 8^th August, will see a host of well-known names in attendance from Coronation Street’s Lucy Fallon, who has won awards for her role as Bethany Platt; stage and screen actress Su Pollard, famous for her role in Hi-de-Hi; WBO Intercontinental and British Champion Brian ‘The Lion’ Rose Boxer, roller-skating duo Rosie and Adam from Britain’s Got Talent, TV’s Masterchef Nigel Haworth and EastEnders’s actress, Cheryl Fergison.

Producers, artistic directors and choreographers from across the UK will also be in attendance in addition to local support from councillors and Blackpool Mayor, Cllr Amy Cross.

The premiere will include a fabulous themed 80’s after party for its celebrity guests including DJ entertainment from award-winning presenter on The Bay and Heart, Danny Matthews and some special 80s vibe LED dancers.

The incredible cast who join writer and director Ian McFarlane include Laurie Denman as Musical Director and Arranger, Andrew Bentley as Phileas Fogg; Oliver Mawdsley as Passepartout; Daniel Cane who plays villain, Cassius Gold, Justina Kehinde who plays Akilah, and Christina Meehan who plays a company member. The shows will run throughout August.

The musical, written and directed by Ian McFarlane, to celebrate the theatre’s 125^th anniversary, is based on Jules Verne’s acclaimed novel cleverly combined with hits from the 80’s, for a show-stopping performance. It tells the tale of gentleman adventurer, Phileas Fogg, and his valet Passepartout, racing against time, all mashed up with 80s chart toppers such as Human League, Pet Shop Boys and Survivor.

Ian McFarlane said: “We’ve started working in the rehearsal room and we are having the best time. The cast are seriously funny, it’s hard to get through a scene without someone laughing hysterically!

“Hearing the cast sing these songs in rehearsals is thrilling. I think people are going to be blown away.”

Andrew Howard, Marketing Manager at the Blackpool Grand Theatre said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time seeing this new musical come together and has us all excited to see the opening. Ian and the cast have come together so well, and the cast can’t wait to get on stage.

“This will be a first for Blackpool’s Grand, producing our very own musical. The show is part of a collection of incredible performances for the theatre’s 125thAnniversary, including the opening of the 2019 tour for spine-chilling thriller The Woman In Black, and for our birthday week (22-27 July) Agatha Christie’s iconic The Mousetrap. It’s an exciting year!’

Around The World in 80s Days is proving a firm favourite with the box office too, with tickets sales surpassing expectations so early on.

For more information on the musical and to purchase tickets from just £19 click here, or call 01253 290190.