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Showzam extravaganza returns to Blackpool

1st February 2011 Print
Showzam extravaganza returns to Blackpool

Roll up, roll up and head to Blackpool as the annual Showzam extravaganza returns!

It's that time of year when the weird and wonderful worlds of circus, magic and new variety come alive; taking place from 18-27 February 2011. It's bigger and better than ever before with colourful characters performing fantastic feats of jaw-dropping skill!

Showzam! Features some of the world's most exciting and talented artists appearing across Blackpool at a number of famous venues including The Blackpool Tower Circus, The Piers, The Winter Gardens, The Blackpool Tower Ballroom, The Grand Theatre and Pleasure Beach Resort".

Maxine Callow, Portfolio Holder for the Places Directorate at Blackpool Council said:

"Showzam continues to be an incredible success for Blackpool. The festival is experiencing increasing popularity year on year and we are noticing an increasing number of visitors to the resort.”

Headlining this year's event is the critically acclaimed SOAP, after over two years of wowing international audiences in Berlin, and a two-month run in London, SOAP is now available to the rest of the world! SOAP is genuine family entertainment. Difficult to imagine; seven bathtubs have become colourful, funny, and even spectacular. From contortion to aerial straps, dance trapeze to aerial hoop, a breathtaking experience in and around the bathtubs.

Elsewhere, expect the unexpected as the Blackpool favourite and always risqué Miss Behave stars in The Crack with the help of a few of her friends the hilariously magical Paul Zenon, the outrageous Spymonkey and the unique balloon antics of Bruce Airhead.
Join Marawa the Amazing; Raphaelle, who will be performing two of her amazing acts direct from The Crazy Horse; Same Sex Dance Champions the Sugar Dandies will be making a welcoming return; with music from The Broken Hearts DJ's; The Kings of Swings Orchestra and special guest Tony Benedict, who will all be performing in the opulent Carnival Ball hosted by the delightful Romany Diva of Magic; in addition to shows including Mooky & Mr Booo's International Circus, Count Arthur Strong, Jongleurs, Circus Hilarious and Slightly Fat features presents Variety by the Sea, a brilliant, timeless show for all ages.

This year, for the first time, Showzam! also has a fringe element - presenting varied and scintillating waves of the best in new variety and cabaret. A series of exclusive one-off shows will make up Cabaret by the Sea at the Merrie England Bar, North Pier- featuring the extraordinary dancing and sharp tongue of Madame Galina, the legendary musical genius that is Earl Okin and the Everly Pregnant Brothers and their eclectic ukelele renditions! Not to mention a performance from Emily Barker and the Red Clay Halo.

Showzam! will also see Blackpool's historic 'Winter Gardens' transformed into Showzam Central - a free exciting attraction providing a hub of information for the whole festival. Visitors will get to experience restored, traditional sideshows from the 1950s featuring the premiere of The Butterfly Girl. The Insect Circus a unique museum displaying a stunning array of costumes, props, puppets and toys from the extraordinary collection of the insect circus society. After performing around the world, Van Buren returns with his exciting and breath taking Temple of Illusions show. New to Showzam Central - Pinball Geoff has brought his remarkable collection of pinball and slot machines dating back to its golden age in the 50s, 60s and 70s.

If that's not enough, Showzam! has a great selection of tours and talks taking place throughout the festival including Gerry Cottle and Al Stencell's thrilling story about their long and eventful lives in the circus business; Pleasure Beach Costume Tours; Palaces of Delight, presented by Professor Vanessa, exploring the beauty and wealth of Matcham architecture in Blackpool as well as the Blackpool Winter Gardens, referred to as The Most Magnificent Palace of Amusement in the World; and, the Blackpool Tower & Circus Heritage Tour.

Throughout the week the, the energy and excitement of Showzam! will culminate in a finale event on Saturday February 26th featuring the internationally renowned Spurting Man with a spectacular climax of human fountains and large scale water effects - it is not to be missed but bring your wellies as there will be lots of audience interaction topped with some fantastic street theatre around the town centre during the week.

Showzam!
Friday 18th - Sunday 27th February 2011
Venues across Blackpool
Many events free

For full details and information about tickets and early bird offers visit showzam.co.uk. You can also check out deals and offers on accommodation to turn a visit to Showzam! into a fantastic break at visitblackpool.com.
 

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Showzam extravaganza returns to Blackpool