Kids' star makes most of UK tour debut

The CBeebies star brings Mister Maker and The Shapes Live! to the resort in March, promising a show ‘packed full of singing, dancing, arts and crafts’.

While he’s been on screen since 2007 encouraging little ones to find their inner artist and get stuck into craft activities, this is the first time he’s hit the road with a solo show in the UK.

Which seems surprising when you consider the stats: He’s played a 20,000 crowd in Indonesia, sold out 16 consecutive shows Sydney Opera House, and his TV shows have broadcast in 100 countries worldwide.

“I’ve played arenas on two big CBBC tours and have done overseas shows with Mister Maker, but I always wanted to do a UK tour,” said Phil Gallagher, whose alter ego is the children’s crafting super star.

“But I would only do it when I could get the best possible production values and do a massive tour.”

And it’s certainly that, with 50-plus performances completed before Christmas, and another 100 to come during the second leg which gets underway next month.

As is the case for so many performers, Blackpool was something of a ‘must-do’ too for Phil; it’s a perfect blend of a family-friendly resort and the theatrical heritage.

“I’m very excited to be coming to Blackpool, it’s somewhere I’ve visited quite a few times for holidays and short breaks and I’ve always loved it,” he said.

“It’s such a exciting place with a history and heritage of theatrical entertainment.

“Theatre is such a wonderful thing, I never thought I would be doing it so I feel very lucky to have this tour.

“I’ve got friends in and around Blackpool too, so it’s will be an added bonus to have lots of support in the audience for these shows.”

Fans of Mister Maker will be looking forward to what’s described as a ‘fun, interactive and creative show that will have the whole family on their feet in no time’ – with a big make featuring, allowing children to get involved in the creative process, helping to create a huge piece of art on stage.

Mister Maker will be joined on stage by a full supporting cast and, of course, The Shapes – his all-singing, all-dancing lovable friends Circle, Triangle, Rectangle and Square!

And Phil promises the parents will have just as much fun as the children in the audience.

“Parents will quite often enjoy watching a children’s show for the fact of seeing their child enjoy it, but I want them to enjoy it in their own right,” he said.

“I open the show with a Take That song, which is a bit of a surprise for people, and there are a few things you wouldn’t expect from a CBeebies’ presenter.”

* Mister Maker, Grand Theatre, Blackpool, Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13. Call (01253) 290190 or visit www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk for tickets.