Blackpool Grand Theatre will begin to re-open from August 4, followed by live shows from September, and later a full-scale pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the backbone of the theatre year.
The historic venue has been closed for 536 days.
Chief executive Ruth Eastwood, who has already announced that she will step down after eight years next year, has thanked the community for its generous support and understanding as the theatre was forced to refund or rebook hundreds of thousands of tickets.
“The Grand will be lifting social distancing on seating, however, to protect customers and employees, we will continue to positively encourage customers to wear face masks throughout their visit (always following government guidelines). We will be offering free face masks to any visitor that needs one, and, additionally, have installed hand sanitiser stations around the theatre and will continue to conduct an intensive cleaning regime before, during and after each show. We will also request that customers keep a distance from one another where they can.”
The theatre has plans to open with children’s favourite Fireman Sam Live on September 4. Other shows visiting are Susan Hill’s spine-chilling thriller The Woman In Black and home-grown hit Around The World In 80s Days, the comedy musical playing throughout October. The pantomime will return ‘in-person’ with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starring Coronation Street’s Vicky Entwistle and panto favourite and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royle along with full cast.