New stage show 'Cilla - The Musical' coming to Blackpool

A new musical based on the life of Cilla Black is coming to Blackpool later this year.
A new musical, based on the life of Cilla Black, is coming to BlackpoolA new musical, based on the life of Cilla Black, is coming to Blackpool
A new musical, based on the life of Cilla Black, is coming to Blackpool

Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield's 'Cilla - The Musical' will be performed at the Blackpool Opera House from October 17 to 21 as part of a nationwide tour.

The musical adaptation of the critically acclaimed ITV mini-series, based on the star's early life, lists her son, Robert Willis, as executive producer.

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The story follows the extraordinary life of ordinary Liverpool teen Priscilla White and her rise to fame.

By the age of 25 she was recognised as international singing star Cilla Black. By the age of 30 she had become one of Britain’s favourite television entertainers, presenting shows including Blind Date and Surprise Surprise.

Michael Williams, Winter Gardens managing director, said: “We’re delighted to be able add another spectacular musical for 2017 which will celebrate the life of an icon, Cilla.

"The musical is set to be a inspiring retelling of Cilla Black’s rise to fame and iconic status.”

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The musical score will feature classic 60s tracks, including Cilla’s hits 'Anyone Who Had a Heart', 'Alfie' and 'Something Tells Me', alongside a backdrop of legendary Liverpudlian classics such as the Beatles’ 'Twist and Shout', and American influences like 'California Dreamin' by The Mamas and The Papas.

The announcement Cilla is to come to Blackpool Winter Gardens this year follows previous announcements for 2017 which will see Sister Act, Hairspray, La Cage Aux Folles, The Wedding Singer, Flashdance, Wonderland, Dreamboats and Petticoats and Peter Pan among the shows at the historic venue. Smash hit musical Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage will also return for a week following a successful three-week run at the theatre this summer.

The producers of Cilla The Musical will hold national open auditions in the hunt to discover their ‘Cilla’ in the same way the star herself was plucked from obscurity before becoming the iconic Liverpudlian songbird.

Tickets go on sale on Monday at 10am from www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk