BLACKPOOL Operatic Players are waiting in the wings to say hello to a set direct from the West End.

The group is staging a production of Hello Dolly at Blackpool Grand Theatre and to add an extra professional edge is hiring an impressive three dimensional full-sized set which previously delighted audiences at London's top theatres.

Revolving scenery which can be turned manually by the stage crew is a major feature while there is also a massive train and carriages which magically concertinas to be able to fit in the wings.

Lead actor Nigel Taylor spotted the set after his father used it for a production in the Midlands and the Players were determined to use it too as soon as they had seen a scaled-down model.

Director Steve Chesters enthused: "It is mainly a truck set on wheels which turns to enable the scenery to change from one thing to another. One minute you will be in Horace Vandergelder's general store and at the next turn the audience is transported on to a street in Yonkers watching the parade pass by.

"This sort of set is a more modern approach which today's audiences expect to see now in the shows. It will raise the standards of the show as the cast will want to give a quality show to do it justice."

The cast and crew of Hello Dolly, which runs from April 13-17, will have just one day to work with and get used to the set. But Steve is confident all will rise to the challenge.

"We have got a wonderful production team and an extremely talented cast, many of whom have won awards for previous parts they've played," he said.

"It will be a very colourful show with outstanding costumes to compliment the set. But don't just take our word for it - come and see the show."

Obviously, Dolly is a very costly production and the Players are looking for donations. If you can help contact Peter on

Tickets are available from Pat Dearden on 343882.

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