Joe McElderry is Planning to Rock Blackpool Opera House in Tommy
X-Factor winner turned musical theatre star Joe McElderry says he can’t wait to come to Blackpool Opera House this autumn.
Joe, who shot to fame after winning the ITV talent show in 2009, is to play the lead role of TOMMY in the UK Premiere staging of a new production of The Who’s classic Rock Opera.
This multi award winning adaptation of the original chart topping album tells a powerful tale of a deaf, mute and blind pinball player who becomes an international messiah.
And Joe says while the role is a challenge it is one he can’t wait to bring to the stage.
“I can’t wait to be back in Blackpool,” said Joe. “The audiences are always so supportive and I always have so much fun on stage there.
"TOMMY is a fantastic show to be part of and to be staging the premiere of this new production in Blackpool is a great opportunity.”
TOMMY opens on Friday September 11 and plays through to Saturday September26.
This smash hit Broadway and West End show will be directed by stage and screen star PAUL NICHOLAS who starred alongside Elton John, Roger Daltrey and Tina Turner in the 1975 film release of the show. The new show coincides with the 40 year anniversary of the film.
Joe added: “I'm really looking forward to performing at the Opera House and to being involved in bringing such an iconic show to the town.
"It will also be great to be in Blackpool for a couple of weeks with the show rather than just nipping in and out so I'm hoping to get to see some of the sights when I'm there."
This colourful, exciting, imaginative and thought provoking new production will be enhanced by exhilarating choreography and will feature first class rock musicians. TOMMY was first performed by The Who in 1968 and was conceived by Pete Townsend and Kit Lambert with contributions to its development by John Enstwhistle, Keith Moon and Roger Daltrey.
It is not the first time that Blackpool audiences will be thrilled by The Who classics – the legendary rockers played the world famous Opera House twice in August 1964 and October 1961 to critical acclaim.
Tickets for TOMMY are on sale now. For more details go to www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
Ends
Notes to editors: Pic attached of Joe McElderry
Blackpool Opera House is one of the UK's largest theatres, with a seating capacity of almost 3,000. It's a world famous venue which has seen performances from some of the greatest entertainers and shows such as stars of yesteryear Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Bob Hope to today's biggest names including Bob Dylan, Peter Kay, One Direction and Little Mix. Many of the most popular touring shows have graced the stage including Mamma Mia!, Starlight Express, Calendar Girls and Scrooge.
The Winter Gardens Blackpool offers a variety of venues for events ranging from business lunches to exhibitions and conferences. 11 separate spaces are available for hire either individually or in combination. Whether it be the grandeur of The Empress Ballroom or The Opera House, the vast space of Olympia or the more intimate surroundings of The Spanish Hall Suite, each of the venues has its own unique character and history – the perfect setting for any event.
The Winter Gardens celebrated its 135th birthday in 2013.
For further information, please contact:
Sarah Rhodes, Rhodes Media
T: 01253 477480 E: [email protected]