27/01/2012 - SHOWBIZWORKS PRODUCE COMEDY CARPET LIVE WEEKEND - Showbizworks appointed to create and produce weekend of comedy for Blackpool with headliners Barry and Stuart from The Magician's

You'd be a fool to miss out on the laughs taking place in Blackpool this April as Marketing Blackpool has announced the launch of Comedy Carpet Live, a festival of shows created and produced by Showbizworks taking place over April Fool's weekend, 31st March and 1st April 2012. It is set to become an annual celebration the week before Easter, and is inspired by Blackpool's latest piece of public artwork, The Comedy Carpet on the Tower Festival Headland.

Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of Marketing Blackpool said: "This event complements the success of the Comedy Carpet on the Tower Festival Headland and has been planned to help to kick start the season by bringing in visitors early for Easter. We intend to make this an annual event as Blackpool is steeped in comedy heritage making the town perfect for supporting new and established talent."

The live shows kick off on Saturday evening at 9.30pm, with the Merrie England Bar on North Pier hosting an adult comedy show starring Manchester based group Slaughterhouse Live. They already have a cult following on the comedy circuit and have had their own show on Granada, but incredibly, this will be their debut performance in Blackpool. Following sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, a critic from The List said: "This five-strong comedy cabaret pulsates with enough anarchic energy to power a small European principality."

On Sunday afternoon at North Pier Theatre, Comedy 4 Kids will provide something for children and families with an hour long show featuring CBBC and Royal Variety Show stars Big Howard and Little Howard; Show Me The Funny finalist Stuart Goldsmith; and Comedy 4 Kids star Tiernan Douieb, the latter of whom hopes to go on Dragon's Den to present his idea of putting zips on pitta breads!

The weekend culminates with the Comedy Carpet Live Gala Show at The Grand Theatre starring comedy illusionists Barry and Stuart from BBC television's prime time show The Magicians. Also on the bill will be musical comedy double act Frisky and Mannish (as heard on BBC Radio 1 and stars of their own sell out London Hammersmith Apollo and Edinburgh shows); ‘children's entertainer' Jeremy Lion (alter ego of Justin Edwards from Have I Got News For You and Mock The Week); comedy legend Bernie Clifton, who is featured on the promenade's Comedy Carpet; and Chris Ramsay, soon to be seen in his own BBC series, complete the line up. Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be Jason Cook who has appeared on various TV comedy shows including Russell Howard's Good News.

Martin explained: "We wanted to create an event that could grow and evolve into something that would eventually drive significant business into the town by extending the start of the traditional season. Marketing Blackpool share that vision and Comedy Carpet Live will help to raise the profile of the new regenerated Blackpool and position the town as a platform for more contemporary artistes. We have tried to reflect this in the line-up of artistes with a nod to comedy legends. Many of the performers have not been seen in the town before and we are keen to break new ground with this event each year by placing Blackpool firmly back on the map for attracting the best comedy talent."

Tickets for the shows are available from 10am on Monday 30 January. For further information, or to book tickets, please click Visit Blackpoolor call 01253 478222

Slaughterhouse Live and Comedy for Kids take place on North Pier, Blackpool. For ticket information and bookings visit North Pier online or call 01253 623304, or go to visitblackpool.com/comedylive or telephone 01253 478222

Comedy Carpet Live Gala takes place at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool. For ticket information and bookings visit Grand box office or call 01253 743339

23/01/2012 - RUSSELL GRANT IS NEW WIZARD IN THE WEST END! - Russell Grant takes over from Michael Crawford as the new wizard in the West End production of The Wizard of Oz

Strictly Come Dancing star Russell Grant is to replace Michael Crawford in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End musical The Wizard of Oz. Already an accomplished actor, singer and dancer, Russell will play the part of the Wizard from 14 February for a 12-week run and will be choreographed by Arlene Phillips. Russell said that it is thanks to the great British public who supported him throughout Strictly Come Dancing that is now enabling him to return to his first love, musical theatre. Russell can be booked through Showbizworks for corporate events or for PA's with Vincent and Flavia. Click Russell Grant for more information

03/01/2012 - DANIEL WHISTON IN DANCING ON ICE NEW SERIES - Daniel Whiston, professional ice dancer and twice winner appears in the new series of Dancing on Ice

The new series of Dancing on Ice begins next Sunday on ITV at 6.30pm and professional ice dancer Daniel Whiston (solely represented by our sister company World Dance Managementwill be partnering actress Jennifer Ellison in the hope that he can achieve a hat trick of trophies having previously won the series with Gaynor Faye in 2006 and with Hayley Tamaddon in 2010. Daniel competed nationally and internationally and was a UK Gold Medallist and Welsh Champion by the time he turned professional at 19 years old. Following the end of the series, Daniel will also be touring with the show playing arenas around the country.