Grand Theatre - Panto Dame

Just announced! This year’s dazzling Panto Dame will be theatre favourite Philip Meeks as Nursie in the fabulous family pantomime Sleeping Beauty at Blackpool Grand Theatre

This year’s glorious Panto Dame has all the write stuff! Celebrated playwright and top soap screenwriter Philip Meeks (Emmerdale, Heartbeat, Doctors) is swapping his pen for a stunning array of colourful costumes to play the hilarious Nursie in the magical pantomime Sleeping Beauty at Blackpool Grand Theatre this Christmas. Oh yes he is! Tickets are already flying out for this fantastic family show! Some performances from Friday 2 December to Sunday 1 January are already offering limited availability. Witty wordsmith Philip has won critical acclaim for his plays and screen writing - including the smash-hit one woman show Harpy starring Su Pollard, which recently visited The Grand. But he just loves to play the Panto Dame live on stage every Christmas and has been delighting countless pantomime fans over the years with his playful persona and magnificent costumes. “There is a lot of cheeky behaviour from my Panto Dames,” said Philip. “But nothing rude and I don’t favour picking on males in the audience. It’s all about making it fabulous for the little ones and having lots of innocent fun.” Philip also isn’t giving much away about this year’s outrageous Panto Dame outfits, but he did let slip that he will be back with a whole new wardrobe! “It’s so very Blackpool,” he said. “Glamourous, but not too above itself. My new frocks include one I’m certain all the dads will find very hot indeed… and a little number that is a double tribute to a beloved national institution AND a community at the heart of Blackpool.” Nursie might also be sporting a striking pink, fake leopard skin coat at some point in fond memory of Philip’s beloved Gran, who first introduced him to Blackpool when he was a child. “Gran had a coat just the same and it’s in memory of her that I always try to wear that on stage. It might make an appearance if Nursie runs out of medicinal sherry and has to pop to the Co-Op between shows!” This year, Philip will be swapping lines with Dancing on Ice champion and Emmerdale star Hayley Tamaddon and Britain’s Got Talent finalist and family favourite Steve Royle in Sleeping Beauty’s enchanting tale of magic, mayhem and misunderstandings live on the Grand Theatre’s famous stage. Philip said of his cast mates: “Sleeping Beauty is my favourite pantomime and it’s so great to be back in Blackpool with Steve and to work with Hayley who I wrote lots for when she was a Dingle in Emmerdale, including some of her first ever scenes!” Sleeping Beauty is jam-packed with marvellous music and dance, fun and laughter, stunning sets, amazing costumes and exciting special effects to keep audiences both young and old entertained! This fabulous, feel-good tale is sprinkled with lots of seasonal sparkle and is the perfect way to experience the traditional magic of Christmas. And what is more traditional than a Panto Dame!

Blackpool Grand Theatre has been introducing the joy of pantomime to enraptured families for many, many years with a whole host of top names taking the coveted Panto Dame spot! The fabulous Philip Meeks will join this illustrious list once again from Friday 2 December 2022 as Nursie in Sleeping Beauty! Once upon a time a beautiful Princess pricks her finger on a spindle wheel, which has been cursed by the evil Carabosse, on the eve of her 18th Birthday party. Can the Good Fairy’s magical spell break the curse? The Princess can only be awoken by true love’s kiss. Will she find her true love and live happily ever after? Fly to Blackpool’s Grand Theatre and find out how the story ends… The fantastic family pantomime at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre is always a laugh-a-minute extravaganza and is truly a magical treat for all the family you won’t want to miss! Wakey Wakey! Don’t get caught napping! Join us for the greatest pantomime ever told starring Philip Meeks as Panto Dame Nursie alongside TV favourites Hayley Tamaddon and Steve Royle! It’s never to early to book your seats! It’s a fabulous, fairytale treat for all the family this festive season!

Sleeping Beauty is presented by Martin Dodd for UK Productions Ltd, who has presented the Christmas pantomime at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre since 1996. Sleeping Beauty is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Friday 2 December 2022 to Sunday 1 January 2023 with matinee and evening performances. Accessible performances will also be available.

Tickets are already selling fast! Book your seats now! Please call the Box Office on 01253 290190 or visit our website www.BlackpoolGrand.co.uk for bookings and further information. www.lancmag.com Let’s take a look back at all the Grand Panto Dames over the last forty years:

1981 Roy Barraclough as Dame Trott in Emu in Pantoland

1982 Bobbie Kent/Eddie Munroe as The Ugly Sisters in Cinderella

1983 Roy Barraclough as Widow Twankey in Aladdin 1985 Tommy Trafford as Mrs Crusoe in Robinson Crusoe

1986 Tommy Trafford as Dame Trot in Jack and the Beanstalk

1987 Billy Whittaker as Mrs Whittington in Turn again, Whittington 1988 Danny La Rue as Widow Twankey in Aladdin

1989 Peter Thorne as Dame Durden in Jack and the Beanstalk

1990 Trevor Bradford/Austin Prince as The Ugly Sisters in Cinderella

1991 Russell Grant as Dame Sadie Spangle in Goldilocks 1996 Tom Bright/John Peate as The Ugly Sisters in Cinderella 1997 Tom Bright as Dame in Jack and the Beanstalk

1998 Charles Burden as Widow Twankey in Aladdin

1999 Tom Bright as Fanny the Cook in Dick Whittington 2000 Tom Bright as Nurse Fanny in Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood.

2001 Bobbie Kent/Jamie Morris as The Ugly Sisters in Cinderella

2002 Ken Morley as Widow Twankey in Aladdin

2004 Mike Grady as Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk

2006 Charles Burden as Sarah the Cook in Dick Whittington

2007 Douglas Mounce as Nurse Nelly in Sleeping Beauty

2008 Jamie Morris/Terry Keeble as The Ugly Sisters in Cinderella

2010 Douglas Mounce as Widow Twankey in Aladdin

2012 Jamie Morris/Tarot Joseph as The Ugly Sisters in Cinderella

2014 Nick Wilton as Nurse Nelly in Sleeping Beauty

2015 Jamie Steen as Nurse Dolly in Snow White

2016 Philip Meeks as Widow Twankey in Aladdin

2017 Jamie Morris/Tarot Joseph as The Ugly Sisters in Cinderella

2018 Nick Wilton as Polly La Plonk in Beauty and the Beast

2020 Nick Wilton in Pantomonium

2021 Jamie Steen as Nurse Dolly in Snow White

LISTING Sleeping Beauty pantomime

Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HT Fri 2 Dec 2022 to Sun 1 Jan 2023 – Matinee and evening performances. Times vary

Box Office

N 01253 290 190 D blackpoolgrand.co.uk F @blackpoolgrand T @Grand_Theatre I grandtheatrebpl UK Productions

D ukproductions.co.uk T @UKP_Ltd

Manish Kumar Arora is a renowned KP Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Reader & Vastu Consultant. He has been rendering professional advice to clients with a reasonable degree of success. He has been conferred with the title of ‘Jyotish Varahamihir’ and ‘Jyotish Aryabhatt.’ He has been writing monthly astrological columns for many international magazines.

ARIES 21 Mar - 19 Apr

You need to be aware of what’s going on around you, aware of the projects and things you’re involved in with others and fully aware of the stages that they are in. Getting yourself into a more positive mindset is something which will unlock the gate to your future and that is your current need. Be sure you do not take on more responsibility than you can comfortably handle, or your health is likely to suffer through overwork. Sexuality will become more fascinating and a friend from the past may wish to become more close. Favourable Dates: Nov 7, 8, 16, 17, 25, 26 Favourable Colours: Red & White

TAURUS 20 Apr - 20 May

Your career will be featured in this month, highlighted with good prospects. Something nice will start unfolding around the 5th of the month. It could affect your finances or your self-esteem, and bring a bonus or a promotion. Your supervisors will probably be happy with the job you’re doing. Take nothing for granted though and don’t expect any rewards if you haven’t been playing fair. Students could excel at their studies, or receive the news of their acceptance at their preferred university. These are great times to find your love, prepare for a wedding, or get married Favourable Dates: Nov 4, 6, 13, 15, 22, 24 Favourable Colours: Red &Yellow

LEO 23 Jul - 22 Aug

The next two weeks bring the time when you may make more money or it could be that you receive a job offer or an opportunity to make money. It is important for you to keep going as you are nearly at the point of success. You need to keep on the road you started on and recognise that the end is almost in sight. Your partner or spouse is likely to seem rather demanding and critical, especially where money is concerned. It would also be a very positive time for you to expand your horizons and learn something new. Favourable Dates: Nov 2, 9, 11, 18, 20, 27 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Red

VIRGO 23 Aug - 22 Sept

Financial opportunities may come to you in an unusual or unexpected way. It could also be a very positive time to borrow money or to gain financially through other sources like a bonus or commission. If you’re beginning a business venture then you will have great motivation, drive and energy to get business moving forward. You would do well putting yourself out there to others whether it’s a regular job or for a new business. You may feel love, affection and admiration from others and may want to build a closer bond in connection with someone. Favourable Dates: Nov 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 23 Favourable Colours: White & Red

SAGITTARIUS 22 Nov - 21 Dec

Your artistic and creative skills are highlighted at this time and you may show great creativity on projects. This month is all about ambition, drive and determination for new adventures. An excellent time that inspires shrewd business decisions, psychological analysis, and property assessment . You will enjoy listening to music, dancing, singing, movies, theatre and the arts. It is a time for you to find love, fall in love and spend time with children.It’s also great time for you to socialize and connect with family and friends Favourable Dates: Nov 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 23 Favourable Colours: White & Red

CAPRICORN 22 Dec - 19 Jan

You are likely to discover how much more able you are to understand about managing the stresses in life, and dealing with the issues at hand on a much more intellectual, rather than a physical level. The month would be prompting you to make efforts to stop focusing purely on the negatives, and the hurt, but to make a real effort to focus your thoughts on the positives, to start healing the hurts of the past and proactively work to bringing your relationships into a more loving and happy place. Favourable Dates: Nov 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23 Favourable Colours: Blue & Black

GEMINI 21 May - 20 Jun

You should receive money unexpectedly, from different sources perhaps from your own partner. This period creates a good deal of emotional tension between the demands of work and the needs of home. Students must be very diligent and sometimes work even harder than their peers. Reading, writing and speaking and just communication in general could prove difficult, wrapped up in caution, or formality. You just need to think very carefully before making up your mind about any subject and weigh all the pros and cons. Favourable Dates: Nov 5, 7, 14, 16, 23, 25 Favourable Colours: Blue & Yellow

LIBRA 23 Sept - 22 Oct

You need to get up and make the effort to look into what you can do to make your life a little more exciting. If you are ready to look and to bring on these changes, you must keep going because it appears that, with determination, and continuing to try to seek your different directions, you are likely to meet someone who will impact your life either on a romantic level or a work level.It could It will be a positive time for you to be able to receive benefits and gain. Favourable Dates: Nov 4, 7, 13, 16, 22, 25 Favourable Colours: White & Purple

AQUARIUS 20 Jan - 18 Feb

This period indicates an enduring and established lifestyle with the income you need to support all that you consider important. This month is likely to be advising clarity in the way of looking at, or dealing with, relationships – romantic and otherwise – so that you don’t get into a situation where you are out of your depth, or could put you in a difficult position. Keep a clear head with respect to your relationships and the people around you. You also need to be more confident in your emotions. Favourable Dates: Nov 5, 6, 14, 15, 23, 24 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Red

CANCER 21 Jun - 22 Jul

Your new positive mindset is likely to prompt success in areas, such as any projects, or any endeavours you undertake. You will be inclined to pour your heart out at work to prove yourself. Some of you will ask for a bigger post or a promotion, while others will be offered one without even asking. This is a truly positive time representing complete happiness and commitment in a relationship. Your efforts will pay off, in love matters. However, do not go charging into situations without the necessary knowledge, so keep your wits about you too. Favourable Dates: Nov 1, 5, 10, 11, 19, 23 Favourable Colours: Green & Red

SCORPIO 23 Oct - 21 Nov

You will work hard for the money but you may also run into opportunities through the Internet or even to a connection. You can expect to find yourself being busy but it could also bring bonuses and commissions. This can also be a time for you to get approved for a loan or credit card. You may also gain through a divorce or dividing of assets in a partnership. These are significant opportunities that will have a huge impact on your life, so grab them with both hands and make the most of them. Favourable Dates: Nov 7, 8, 16, 17, 25, 26 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue

PISCES 19 Feb - 20 Mar

You need to be able to recognise when other people are trying to make you feel inadequate by some of their behaviours. You may need to adopt a more loving attitude to yourself, treat yourself well, make sure you nurture your needs – food and water – and to relax when you can.Your need is to open your heart to the joys of love. Perhaps it is a long time since you were able to really relax into a loving relationship but that it could be something that you really need right now. Favourable Dates: Nov 3, 7, 14, 15, 21, 25 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Purple