Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Announces New Season

A brand new season of West End musicals, gripping dramas, dynamic dance and one night concerts will go on sale at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Highlights include the return of the phenomenally successful smash hit musical THE BODYGUARD, a major new production of DOCTOR DOLITTLE THE MUSICAL, Belinda Lang and Oliver Cotton in DUET FOR ONE, Joe Pasquale, Russell Watson, Doreen Tipton's brand new live show DOREEN'S BIG TOP and the National Theatre return in 2019 with MACBETH.

See below for a full line up from the newly announced season.

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE LIVE is not your ordinary science show - it comes with a bang. It comes with a whoosh. But most of all is comes with a hovercraft built on stage.... Oh, and a Human Cannon too on Wednesday 4 July at 1pm and 6pm.

BRUM ROCKS LIVE on Sunday 9 September brings together Birmingham's finest rock 'n' roll heroes on one stage at the same time - Bev Bevan (The Move, ELO), Geoff Turton (Rockin Berries), Trevor Burton (The Move), Joy Strachan Brain (Quill) and Danny King with Phil Tree, Tony Kelsey and Abby Brant - for a truly unique show. Rock 'n' roll music was introduced to teenagers in Birmingham in the 50's and 60's by bands in their local haunts. Bands like The Move, Danny King & The Royals, The M&B 5 (Yeah, the Moodies!), The Rockin Berries, Carl Wayne & The Vikings, Denny Laine & The Diplomats - to name just a few - had Brum rockin'. Will the memories come flooding back? Absolutely!

On Saturday 22 September, MILKSHAKE! LIVE returns starring Milkshake! favourites; Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Noddy, Fireman Sam, Shimmer & Shine, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wilbur, Wissper, Milkshake!'s very own Milkshake! Monkey and two Milkshake! presenters. The all singing, all dancing musical masterpiece will take audiences on a journey through the world's favourite fairy tales. Set amongst Milkshake!'s magical bookcase, this brilliant live show is sure to amaze and delight! The Milkshake! cast will be singing songs and sharing stories that audience members, young and old, will know and love.

FAITH - THE George Michael LEGACY is a stunning celebration of one the greatest singer-songwriters of all time on Monday 10 September, featuring international George Michael tribute Wayne Dilks and his 8-piece band. A musical journey of 35 years of hit records, from Wham to his solo career, the show uses actual video footage from The George Michael 25 live tour and is a 2-hour spellbinding spectacle of his songs such as, Club Tropicana, I'm Your Man, Faith, Fast Love, Outside, Freedom, A Different Corner, Father Figure, Careless Whisper and many, many more.

A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT is back on Tuesday 11 September. One of the longest running, most cherished shows in the region, this year's show promises to be better than ever! Featuring comedians Ian 'Sludge' Lees and special guest Ollie Spencer and show regulars Dandy, along with music from The Empty Can, the band that bought us the Black Country Anthem, and introducing new singing talent - along with his banjo - Joe Thomas. A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT is a night brimming with music, mirth and merriment!

Joe Pasquale burst on to our TV screens 30 years ago on ITV's New Faces. Now he's on his 30th anniversary tour Joe Pasquale: A FEW OF HIS FAVOURITE THINGS on Wednesday 12 September; a celebration of his best cack, plus some surprises on the way! Let your inner child loose and learn to laugh and play again. WARNING: This show may contain nuts and Joe May say the word 'fart'.

Russell Watson is firmly established as the UK's best selling classical crossover artist of all time. Russell returns to Wolverhampton on Monday 24 September. To date, his illustrious career has included performances for Her Majesty The Queen, The Pope and two US Presidents. Following a series of sell-out performances in 2015-16, 'The People's Tenor' returns to the stage with his brand-new show CANZONI D'AMORE. Captivating to watch and enchanting to listen to, Russell continues to wow audiences with his enigmatic and entertaining live performances.

After an acclaimed run in London's West End, Tom Kempinski's multi award winning play DUET FOR ONE now tours the UK - coming to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre for one week only from 2 - 6 October. It stars Belinda Lang (2point4 Children, Second Thoughts) and Oliver Cotton (The Borgias, Waking The Dead). In this powerful, deeply moving and poignantly funny play, Stephanie Abrahams, a brilliant concert violinist who seemingly has it all, is forced to re-evaluate her life when struck down by an unforeseen tragedy. Faced with a truth too difficult to comprehend she consults psychiatrist Dr Feldmann and through a series of highly charged encounters is led to examine her deepest emotions and finally to consider a future without music. Tom Kempinski's dazzling play emerges as a gripping, witty and ultimately life-enhancing tribute to the human spirit.

THE Whitney Houston SHOW returns for a third triumphant year and is the critically acclaimed live concert honouring the talent, music and memory of Whitney Houston on Sunday 28 October. Featuring the breathtaking vocals of Belinda Davids, this is a beautifully crafted homage to one of the world's most revered singers. The two-hour production will fill you with joy, nostalgia and wonderment as you are taken on a heartfelt musical journey through Houston's greatest hits including I Will Always Love You, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, How Will I Know, One Moment in Time, I Have Nothing, Run to You, Didn't We Almost Have It All, Greatest Love of All, I'm Every Woman, Queen of the Night, and more.

English Touring Opera present Bach's masterpiece, ST MATTHEW PASSION, in a way you have never seen it on Monday 29 October. Bach's most dramatic work, it tells in music the story of a trial, death by crucifixion, and transformation, told by witnesses whose lives have been transformed. ETO's extraordinary soloists will perform alongside the much-praised period instrument orchestra the Old Street Band, and several local choirs. Charismatic conductor Jonathan Peter Kenny leads the performance, which will involve a simple, heartfelt staging.

Wolverhampton's favourite pantomime Dame Ian Adams and panto favourite Julie Paton are back with another fabulous fairy tale! Join them for MOTHER GOOSE on Tuesday 30 October in Goose-ville, the home of Mother Goose and her magical friend Priscilla, the goose that lays the golden eggs. Can she rid the land of Belladonna the Demon Queen? Perhaps with the help of little Boy Blue and little Bo Peep she can; but will the temptation to be beautiful be too appealing? An all singing, all dancing fable with lots of laughs and tons of audience participation as you would expect from the company that brought you Pinocchio & Puss in Boots.

THE STYLISTICS return on 31 October with their 50th Anniversary tour. They are known instantly for their many recognisable hits such as the Grammy nominated You Make Me Feel Brand New plus numerous classics including: Can't Give You Anything (But My Love), Let's Put it All Together, Stop Look Listen, You are Everything, Betcha by Golly Wow, Sing Baby Sing and more. The Stylistics remain the real deal, fabulously entertaining and musically breathtaking, plying audiences with the hits that made them a household name. Don't miss this very special 50th Anniversary show!

"Roll up, roll up! Take your seats for the Greatest Show on Earth!" Yes, Doreen's unique travelling Circus of Loffs is coming to Wolverhampton on 2 November. In her brand-new show, DOREEN'S BIG TOP, Doreen explores the fascinating history of the circus, including a peek behind the weird and wonderful Victorian freak shows. But according to Doreen, the whole world is a circus, so expect to be launched like a cannonball into all manner of modern-day freakery - including an hilarious look at the Westminster circus, and some of the clowns who try and run the country. It's the 250th anniversary of the circus. Send in the clowns .

AN EVENING OF ERIC AND ERN on 14 November is from the Olivier-nominated duo behind the hugely celebrated and critically acclaimed West End hit Eric & Little Ern. Starring Jonty Stephens and Ian Ashpitel, this is a brilliant homage crammed full of renditions of those famous comedy sketches, that hits all the right notes! From Greig's Piano concerto to Mr Memory, and "Arsenal!", it's a show full of Morecambe and Wise's most loved routines, songs and sketches and of course a musical guest. This wonderful show, evokes memories of times when whole families would huddle around the television on Sunday evenings. You'll feel you've experienced the real thing and been taken back to a world of sunshine and laughter. As seen on The One Show and The Alan Titchmarsh Show.

Prepare yourself for a party as the legendary THAT'LL BE THE DAY, the 'Number One Award Winning' entertainment show, returns with its Brand New 2018 Christmas Show ON Thursday 15 November! THAT'LL BE THE DAY is all about nostalgia and live entertainment, reflecting the music and tone of an era that changed the course of music history and youth culture forever. Trevor, Gary and the gang celebrate the festive season by bringing on back the good times with a combination of their unique comedy mixed with a non-stop line up of all the best Christmas hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

WICKED WIZARD OF FIZZOG COMEDY SHOW combines the most classic story of all time with a multi award winning musical on Saturday 17 November. The Fizzog's Froggatts & Cotterills, the people who bought you Freezin' and A Black Country Fairytale Ay' It, are back with the surprise of the year. Lizzie Cotterill has put pen to paper to create her latest masterpiece; the tale of two young witches, a friendship that turns sour, a young girl who is searching for home, a talking Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man and a yellow brick road that leads to...the back of the stage. This 'play within a play' set in 1910 is not to be missed, because when these two families get together, nothing goes to plan!

Don't miss the European Première of a brand-new stage adaptation of the classic thriller Bram Stoker's DRACULA from 20 - 24 November. Dracula is one of the most universally iconic novels ever written. A monumental, genre defining classic that is known the world over. DRACULA remains the father of all gothic thrillers. This brand-new stage adaptation of Bram Stoker's book is brought to opulent and irresistible life in a contemporary interpretation that includes all the definitive characters and spine-chilling fear. Emotionally fulfilling, utterly terrifying, spellbindingly addictive, will this Dracula ever die?

West Bromwich Operatic Society celebrate their 80th Anniversary and Leonard Bernstein's Centenary with an electrifying new production of WEST SIDE STORY from 27 November - 1 December. The world's greatest love story takes to the streets as Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City, where two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time and features some of musical theatre's most loved songs, including: Somewhere, Maria, America, Tonight and I Feel Pretty. WEST SIDE STORY is choreographed by Steve Elias, who is most noted for his work in BBC 2's Our Dancing Town, but also has a celebrated career as a West End performer and choreographer.

DOCTOR DOLITTLE THE MUSICAL returns to the stage in Leslie Bricusse's acclaimed family musical at the Grand Theatre for two weeks from 29 January - 9 February. Join the eccentric Doctor, his human companions and his exotic menagerie of animal friends on an extraordinary adventure to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail, that holds the secret of life and making the world a happier place. With help from the Pushmi-Pullyu and his trusty sidekick Polynesia the parrot, the larger-than-life Doctor Dolittle teaches us not only to talk to the animals but to listen to them as well! Based on the popular 1967 film with Rex Harrison, this stage version has music, book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. From the producers of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, this production promises stunning visual puppetry and fun for all the family. A star cast is soon to be announced.

Russian State Ballet of Siberia present CINDERELLA on Sunday 10 February, THE NUTCRACKER on Monday 11 February and SWAN LAKE on Tuesday 12 February. Formed in 1981, The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia has now established itself as one of Russia's leading ballet companies and has built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and unusual depth. Both the soloists and the corps de ballet have been highly praised by critics, and never fail to delight audiences with their breathtaking ability and dazzling costumes.

THE ELVIS YEARS is an outstanding musical production which brings to the stage the incredible story of the 'king of rock and roll', Elvis Presley. With a world class cast, authentic costumes and rare film footage, THE ELVIS YEARS features more than 50 of the King's greatest hits including: Hound Dog, It's Now or Never, Suspicious Minds, American Trilogy and many more on Wednesday 13 February.

THE SENSATIONAL 60S EXPERIENCE returns by huge popular demand to Wolverhampton on Saturday 16 February. With a brand new production for 2019 this is without doubt the most explosive 60's show touring the UK. Six legendary names take to the stage to deliver a night never to be forgotten. Hits include: Needles and Pins, Out Of Time, I'm Into Something Good, Hippy Hippy Shake, Little Children, A Little Loving, plus many more. So, step back in time to the decade that was the swinging 60's, when pop music was at its very best.

Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company (MUSCOM) return from 5 - 9 March 2019 with Mel Brooks' THE PRODUCERS! "Bialystock and Bloom!" Those names should strike terror and hysteria into anyone familiar with Mel Brooks' classic cult comedy film. Now as a big stage musical, THE PRODUCERS once again sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humour. The plot is simple, down-on-his-luck Broadway producer Max Bialystock and his mild-mannered accountant Leo Bloom come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history (the gloriously offensive Springtime for Hitler) thereby bilking their backers (all "little old ladies") out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry, the show is a smash hit! With a truly hysterical book co-written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan (Annie) and music and lyrics by Mr. Brooks, THE PRODUCERS skewers Broadway traditions and takes no prisoners as it proudly proclaims itself an "equal opportunity offender!"

The National Theatre return to Wolverhampton with MACBETH from 12 - 16 March. The ruined aftermath of a bloody civil war. Ruthlessly fighting to survive, the Macbeths are thrust towards the crown by forces of elemental darkness. The National Theatre, creators of War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night- Time, bring this epic and visually daring production of Shakespeare's most intense tragedy on a tour of the UK and Ireland immediately following a sold out run in London. Directed by National Theatre Artistic Director Rufus Norris (Cabaret, London Road) and designed by Rae Smith (War Horse, This House) this new production propels Shakespeare's classic title into a post-apocalyptic world of anarchy and uncertainty. Casting to be announced.

The smash-hit West End musical, THE BODYGUARD returns to Wolverhampton for two weeks only from 25 June - 6 July 2019! Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge - what they don't expect is to fall in love. Host of irresistible classics including: Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, I Have Nothing, Million Dollar Bill, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and one of the greatest hit songs of all time - I Will Always Love You. Casting to be announced.

Tickets for the new season will be on sale from 10am on Thursday 15 March to Friends Of The Grand and from 11am on Wednesday 21 March to general public to book online and over the phone and 12pm to general public in person at the Box Office. Tickets can be bought online at grandtheatre.co.uk, by calling 01902 42 92 12 or in person at the Box Office. Become a Friend of the Grand by calling the Box Office or online at grandtheatre.co.uk/support.

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