Holiday hotspot Blackpool Pleasure Beach has launched its own Christmas show and the Daily Express can confirm it’s perfect for all the family.
In recent years Blackpool’s world-famous Illuminations have extended their season by two extra months through to January – to attract more winter guests.
Now visitors can make a full festive weekend of it by first going to see Beauty and the Beast at the Pleasure beach’s own theatre The Globe, then stay overnight in the resort’s new four-star luxury hotel ‘Boulevard’.
Based on the South Shore promenade, Boulevard – or simply BLVD – is the trendy new hotel that has already seen visitors flock to the Lancashire town.
With the package aimed to help families save a few pennies over the costly Yuletide period, the deal enables visitors to see The Globe’s new Beauty and the Beast show while checking in at BLVD for a night’s relaxation.
Rather than set the whole Disney story in rural France, The Globe’s show starts off in rainy Bolton with quips about the sad demise of Wilko, fish and chips and topical news like French bed bugs.
The romantic and hilarious Beauty and the Beast show features a string of stars including Charlotte Dawson, the daughter of late TV star and comedian Les Dawson.
The 31-year-old TV personality plays evil witch Fortulicious and her return to the stage comes just four months after the birth of her second child, Jude, who already has a big brother called Noah, aged two.
She said: “Pantomimes are a firm staple at Christmas time. There is something so special about stepping into costume and taking the stage to make people laugh, and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
Alongside Charlotte is Lancashire-born ITV weather presenter Emma Jesson, who plays Belle’s mum, who said of the show: “Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the home of excellent entertainment, and I feel really lucky and excited to be part of it.”
But much of the best physical comedy pours from West End and cabaret icon Simon Green AKA Betty Legs Diamond as the Prince’s/Beast’s riotous aide Chandelier.
After performing for 16 years in Funny Girls, Simon has returned to Blackpool and is once again entertaining audiences, revealing: “I spent a lot of my career in Blackpool.
“Putting on a costume, getting on stage, and making people laugh? Count me in!”
And joining Charlotte, Emma and Simon on stage are the seaside town’s own talented superstars Sarah Ward and Ashley Luke Lloyd – playing Belle and the Prince.
Running until Christmas Eve, there are still dozens of shows left.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach was founded way back in 1896 by A. W. G. Bean and family-owned and operated ever since – with the current managing director Amanda Thompson OBE actually Bean’s great-granddaughter.
Amanda is also Beauty and the Beast’s executive producer, saying: “We have a gifted cast who we are incredibly proud of, and we can’t wait to showcase their talent to our audiences. This is not one to miss!”
* Beauty and The Beast runs on selected dates until 24th December with tickets starting from £12 per person. To book, call 0871 222 9090 or visit www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.
* For the BLVD hotel deal visit https://www.
