Tag: Shows

Moya Brady’s Rise to Fame

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Moya Brady, born on 8 September 1962 in Manchester and raised in Blackpool, is a versatile actress known for her roles across film, television, and theatre. She is perhaps best recognized for playing Breda McQueen in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks (2018–2020). Brady’s acting career spans decades, beginning in 1986, and includes a wide array of memorable roles. On television, she played F.D.O. Roberta Cryer in the police drama The Bill, appeared in Harry Hill’s TV Burp, and starred as Bridget in the Doctor Who episode “Love & Monsters” (2006). In 2021, she portrayed Millie in Russell T Davies’… Read more »

Jacqueline Leonard Stars in Chaplin

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Jacqueline Leonard, born in 1967 in Blackpool, is an actress known for her extensive work in British television, film, and theatre. She has been married to Alex Mansfield since 2000, and the couple has one child. Leonard trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, where she won the Michael Warre Award for Best Actress in 1988. Her career highlights include roles in several popular British soap operas: Lorraine Wicks in the BBC’s EastEnders (1996–1997), Caroline Powers in the BBC’s Doctors (2000), Lydia Murdoch in the Scottish soap River City, Linda Hancock in ITV’s Coronation Street, and appearances… Read more »

John Sumner – From Blackpool to King Kong

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John Sumner, born on 14 October 1951 in Blackpool, England, moved with his family to New Zealand at the age of nine. He began his career in the entertainment industry at 19, performing live on Auckland’s nightclub circuit. His talent quickly earned him a following, and within months, he appeared on local variety television shows. Over the next few years, Sumner became a versatile performer, gaining both popular and critical acclaim. Notable early roles included playing “Charlie Brown” in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and the character “Emory” in The Boys in the Band, showcasing his range from light-hearted… Read more »

Robert Smith Co-Founds The Cure

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Robert James Smith, born on 21 April 1959 in Blackpool, is a renowned British musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the co-founder, lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of The Cure, a pivotal band in the post-punk and gothic rock movements. Smith remains the band’s only continuous member, having shaped its sound since its formation in 1976. Raised in a musical household, Smith was the third of four children to Rita Mary (née Emmott) and James Alexander Smith. His father was a singer, and his mother played the piano, which likely influenced his early musical… Read more »

Ricky Tomlinson Becomes a Royle

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Eric ‘Ricky’ Tomlinson, born on 26 September 1939 in Burleigh House, Bispham, Blackpool, is an actor, comedian, and musician, best known for his television roles, including Bobby Grant in Brookside (1982–1988), DCI Charlie Wise in Cracker (1993–2006), and Jim Royle in the iconic sitcom The Royle Family (1998–2012). Despite his roots in Blackpool, he has lived in Liverpool for most of his life. Tomlinson’s early life saw him evacuated to Blackpool at the outbreak of World War II due to fears that Liverpool would be bombed. He attended Walton Technical College in Liverpool after passing an exam at the age… Read more »

Murder on Blackpool Express

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Murder on the Blackpool Express is a 2017 comedy-drama television film written by Jason Cook. A parody of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, the film blends humour with a mystery narrative. It stars Johnny Vegas as Terry, a down-to-earth coach driver, and Sian Gibson as Gemma, the tour guide and his love interest. The film also features a star-studded cast, including Sheila Reid, Una Stubbs (in her final role), Griff Rhys Jones, Nina Wadia, Nigel Havers, Kimberley Nixon, and Kevin Eldon. The plot revolves around a bus tour designed for mystery novel enthusiasts, led by the pompous author… Read more »

Mel B Switches on the Lights

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Mel B expressed how privileged she felt to be chosen to switch on the Blackpool Illuminations, a moment she described as especially meaningful due to her deep connection to the resort. The Spice Girls singer, who once lived in Blackpool as a teenager, recalled her early days as a 16-year-old dancer in the Mystique show at the Pleasure Beach. This experience marked her first professional job before she rose to global fame with the Spice Girls. Reflecting on her childhood, Mel B shared fond memories of her family visiting the Illuminations every year in their “clapped-out car,” sitting in traffic… Read more »

Lady Gaga Performs at the Opera House

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On 7 December 2009, Lady Gaga delivered a performance at the Royal Variety Performance at Blackpool’s iconic Opera House that left the audience, including Queen Elizabeth II, utterly captivated. Known for her bold and avant-garde fashion choices, Gaga surpassed all expectations by appearing on stage dressed as Queen Elizabeth I in a striking red latex outfit. The ensemble, complete with an intricate ruffled dress and dramatic sparkly eye makeup, was a stunning blend of historical reference and modern eccentricity. Her performance was equally daring, featuring a massive, surrealist Dali-style piano that added an extra layer of spectacle to her already… Read more »

Will Smith Performing on the Promenade

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Hollywood star Will Smith headlined the final night of the 2017 Livewire Festival on Blackpool Promenade, performing with DJ Jazzy Jeff. This performance marked their only UK show that year, delighting fans with hits like Miami, Summertime, and Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It. Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff first teamed up in the 1980s and won a Grammy for their hit Parents Just Don’t Understand. Ahead of the festival, Smith posted a rehearsal video online, teasing fans with a simple message: “Y’all Ready??” Known for his successful acting career, Smith became a household name with his role in the 1990s sitcom… Read more »

Jimmy Tarbuck

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Jimmy Tarbuck, often affectionately called ‘Tarby’, is a well-known figure with a long history in British entertainment. A prominent supporter of the Conservative Party, he was particularly aligned with Margaret Thatcher and even baked a cake to celebrate her 60th birthday in 1985. A keen golfer, Tarbuck made a name for himself as a regular participant in televised pro-celebrity golf matches. He is also a passionate supporter of Liverpool Football Club. Tarbuck’s career began as a holiday camp entertainer, and he made his Blackpool debut in 1963, performing a week of cabaret at the Sands Club, Marton. He returned in… Read more »