Harry Clayton-Wright: Mr Blackpool's Seaside Spectacular

‘At the end of the world there’ll still be a showgirl in Blackpool kicking her legs behind her ears and thank god for that.’

Set in the not too distant future against the decimated backdrop of climate collapse or late stage capitalism – you decide, could be both – four Blackpool performers embed the history of ‘end of the pier’ entertainment, cabaret, variety, drag and dance into a series of turns inspired by conversations and autobiographical references to the performers, their lives and relationships to this iconic seaside town.

Remember your first time being led astray by a Liza Minnelli tribute act? Thought not. Ever starred as a high-kicking leading lady of a drag show while still a teenager? Didn’t think so. Been rugby tackled by stag and hen parties while dressed in a mascot costume on Blackpool’s Golden Mile? Perhaps you just had a paper round.

But who is this haunted impresario leading you through the night? What is beyond the feathers and rhinestones? The smiles covered in petroleum jelly? The sparkle and shine of the seafront? Don’t worry about that, you’re on holiday. The evening awaits you at Mr Blackpool’s Seaside Spectacular… twice nightly.

Mr Blackpool’s Seaside Spectacular is created and performed in collaboration with Oliver Gregory, aka Miss Titty Kaka, an international showgirl sensation, and features Aysh De Belle and Sam De Belle, a married dancing duo from Blackpool.

Harry Clayton-Wright is a theatre-maker from Blackpool with multiple international tours under his belt. He has worked with cabaret and circus ensembles, presented and produced theatre shows, created short films, published zines, crafted durational performances and has been a commissioned artist on LGBTQ+ heritage projects across the country.

Commissioned by Marlborough Productions and Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts and using public funding from Arts Council England. Initial research and development supported by Marlborough Productions, Shoreditch Town Hall, Homotopia, Cambridge Junction, The Old Electric and using public funding from Arts Council England.