Opera House & Winter Gardens

The country’s largest theatre, with a seating capacity of almost 3000, the Opera House is a famous venue.

It has seen performances from the world’s greatest entertainers and shows, ever since it opened in 1939.

Hollywood stars such as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Bob Hope have all graced the Opera House stage. More recently, stars including Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Ronan Keating, Jim Davidson and Peter Kay have performed to sell-out audiences here.

Shows have included top west end productions such as ‘Joseph’, ‘Grease’ and ‘Cats’.

With its spectacular barrel-vaulted ceiling, sparkling chandeliers, pristine parquet flooring and ornate balconies, the Empress Ballroom is a quite staggering venue.

Built in 1896, the Empress has hosted everything from political party conferences to pop concerts - its architectural splendour, vast capacity and unrivalled flexibility making it extremely popular with regional, national and international event organisers alike.

Status Quo

29 January

Britain’s best loved band, Status Quo, will head out once again on their traditional Winter tour of the UK in 2008. Visiting 24 venues the length and breadth of the country, the “Pictures – 40 Years Of Hits” tour offers Quo’s army of fans the chance to experience the magic of this truly seminal British rock act. One of the world’s most enduring and successful live acts, the mighty Quo have influenced a generation of musicians and entertained millions with their driving, no-nonsense brand of rock.

The 2008 “Pictures: 40 Years Of Hits” tour offers the chance to be part of the anniversary party and witness performances by true legends of the rock world, book early to avoid disappointment. Put yourself in the frame!

Russell Brand

6 February

Having wowed American audiences with an acclaimed movie debut and a host of sold-out stand-up dates, Russell Brand is poised for a triumphant return to his homeland in 2009.

Russell will take a deserved break from writing, acting, TV and radio to return to his first love – stand up comedy. Almost 18 months since the curtain fell on his acclaimed ‘Only Joking’ tour, the award-winning comic will play a series of must-see dates next year.

It's been a whirlwind twelve months for Russell. His scene-stealing performance in Judd Apatow's 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' drew widespread acclaim, enhancing the reputation he earned with Britflicks 'Penelope' and 'St. Trinians'. Russell recently completed filming 'Bedtime Stories' with Adam Sandler, and has been cast in Judd Apatow's next feature, filming in early 2009.

Russell's stand up show has also been taking North America by storm. An appearance at Montreal's world-renowned comedy festival followed sell-out dates at New York's Grammercy Theatre and Los Angeles' Roxy. His autobiography ‘My Booky Wook’ topped the UK best-seller list and sold in excess 600,000 hardback copies, going on to win a prestigious ‘Nibby’ at the British Book Awards.

For more information and to book these and other great Opera House & Winter Garden shows go to www.blackpoollive.com