Month: September 2018
Meet Our Viva Showgirls…
26 September 2018
Get behind the scenes at Viva Blackpool, and get to know our fantastic Showgirls! Many of our Showgirls have grown up in the seaside town of Blackpool and have extensive experience within the entertainment industry, from performing on cruise ships, circuses and even Bollywood music videos.
We are extremely proud of the women that dance here at Viva Blackpool, and appreciate all the hard work and dedication these fantastic girls put into their jobs. Viva Blackpool wouldn’t be the same without them…
Natalie Gray
Company Manager
After I finished school I started my professional training at Phil Winston’s Thearterworks and went on to graduate in 2012. I was lucky enough to start my professional career straight out of college as a Magicians Assistant in Richard De Vere’s Beyond Belief at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. I have since performed as a dancer in various companies around the UK, including theatre tours, resident stage shows and performing as a showgirl.
I have always been very proud to be part of the entertainment scene here in Blackpool and I look forward to bringing you the finest production entertainment right here in the Vegas venue in the heart of Blackpool.
Katie Fairclough
Dancer
I studied dance and musical theatre at Merseyside Dance and Drama Center where I graduated in 2016. I began my professional career as a Production Dancer onboard Costa Cruises touring around Asia. I have also been involved in various local pantomimes as an Ensemble Dancer and dance captain. I am very excited to begin my first season here at Viva Blackpool.
Emma Sheldon
Dancer
I was born and raised here in Blackpool, Lancashire! I trained at Phil Winston’s Theartreworks and graduated with my first processional dance contract taking me to Brazil for 12 months in a touring Circus. I went on to work in India, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Macau filming various Bollywood music videos and performing at award shows.
I am now thrilled to be back in Blackpool performing here at Viva in my hometown after so many years working away.
Olivia Heap
Singer Dancer
This is my first contract at Viva Blackpool and I am beyond excited to be performing all the different shows here in my hometown! After leaving high school, I went to Preston’s College and studied Professional Dance and Teachers of Dance. During my 3rd year of training I received my 1st job for Peel Talent onboard the Thomson Spirit. Onboard the Spirit, I was a show team Dancer and loved it so much I decided to stay for 2 contracts completing a total of 14 months at sea.
I am very excited to be performing again alongside a wonderful and amazing team, with plenty of exciting shows we are eager for you all to see!
Emma Williams
Dancer
I’ve been working as a professional Dancer for 5 year now. I began working onboard as a Production Dancer with Costa Cruises working across 5 different ships where I was then promoted to Dance Captain. I decided to take a break from sea and joined a team of 18 dancers, singers and acrobats performing across two 5 star hotels in Malta. I have currently been working at Viva Blackpool since spring last year and I’m now looking forward to starting my 3rd season performing in Blackpool with the company.
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Instagram for Business: 10 Top Tips!
21 September 2018
Have an insight into the world of social media written by a member of our Marketing Team, Rhi! This blogs explains the bests methods of using Instagram and how you can use it to benefit your own business…
Analytical features on websites now allow you to directly trace where your customers have come from before landing on your selling platform. This handy little feature allows you to track where your marketing is most successful. A huge section of this will definitely be traffic driven from social media; Facebook and Instagram having the highest percentages. Instagram can be a tricky platform to decipher, especially if you’re completely new to the site. These are just some tips I’ve found via experience that really work to boost exposure on Instagram!
1. Post frequently! I try to aim for one post per day. This may sound difficult but I’m not always posting about myself and my own products. Building relationships is incredibly important in marketing so posting other products that you’ve picked up from other businesses adds a bit of variety to your feed – as well as improving your own image.
2. Engage with other user posts! It’s so important to like and comment on other businesses posts, particularly for Instagram. Not generic comments and emojis, but rather real comments and observations. This will help boost the other business’ exposure and will help the posts appear higher and display more frequently in user newsfeed, therefore improving post reach. They will often return the favour too!
3. It’s all about the aesthetic! This might seem obvious, but go that extra mile to make your images visually pleasing. I’ve done some absolutely ridiculous things to get that perfect shot of a pin. Many instances involving angry seagulls that think I have food on Blackpool beach! I learnt very early on that in marketing, you’re selling a lifestyle rather than a product; and your brand is a contributing factor in this. The images you post represent the brand. As the kids would say, do it for the aesthetic!
4. Hold competitions and giveaways – Especially loop events! Giveaways are an amazing way to spread awareness of your business. Especially if it’s a like and share! If you can get your followers to share your giveaway (perhaps by rewarding them with extra entries for doing so) it will increase your brand exposure. A loop event is when you team up with a few other similar small businesses and create a loop graphic on Instagram. You tag the next business in your loop. The next business in the loop does the same. The idea is that the person entering the giveaway clicks on the tag and is taken to the next businesses page. They follow that page and repeat the steps until they return back to where they started. They can then comment “Done!” to let you know they’ve entered. Only then will they be submitted into the giveaway. This is beneficial for all businesses involved. It’s even more rewarding if you have a popular account with a lot of followers participating!
5. Do not buy followers! Genuine followers are the way to go. I know amassing followers is a slow and tedious process but it’s worth it in the long run. Instagram suggests your profile to other users based on followers that share the same interests. If you’ve bought followers, they’re usually fake profiles often using inappropriate pictures. This will not help the algorithm which suggests your business page you to others. A large portion of your followers will come from Instagrams suggestions and recommendations.
6. Shop swap! A shop swap is when you and another shop exchange products, typically of equal value. Each party will then create a post on social media that’s similar to a review to promote the product. Each business will receive exposure plus it helps to build positive business relationships.
7. Use the correct #hashtags! Instagram has a limit of 30 hashtags per post. Use them wisely! Do a bit of research and find out the best hashtags to use for your industry. You want the right audience to find you and hashtags are the best way to do it. When you begin to type in a hashtag on a post, you can see how many posts have also included this hashtag. This will give you an idea of what is popular within your network and what isn’t.
8. Call to action! Everything you post should have a call to action. If it’s a picture of the product, let the customer know where they can purchase.
9. Respond to DMs and comments! It can get tedious, and the answers may be obvious, but you should always respond to questions and comments from other users. It helps your brand image and makes the customers feel special and appreciated. Even if there are a lot of comments, make time for an intelligent response. If people feel ignored, they’re more likely to head to a competitor.
10. Focus on user generated content! If people are taking pictures of your product, share them on your page! It’s a chance for followers to involve themselves with your brand, as well as making them feel noticed and appreciated. Plus, you don’t have to create the content yourself – bonus!
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Joe Pasquale’s Most Iconic Moments…
20 September 2018
Take a look at our favorite comedian, Joe Pasquale moments, including his iconic performances on Dancing on Ice, and keep up to date with all the Joe Pasquale info on the lead up to his fantastic show, ‘A Few Of My Favorite Things’ here at Viva Blackpool, Friday 28th September 2018!
I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!… And take me to Viva Blackpool
There is only one King of the Jungle at Viva Blackpool, and that’s our favorite squeaky comedian Joe Pasquale. Back in 2004, Joe won the hearts of the nation yet again with his sensational time on ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’.
Without a doubt our favorite I’m a Celeb’ moment of Joe’s was his bushtucker trials, being the first celebrity to win all the stars in each trial he was faced with! From climbing from a helicopter to being buried underground with rats, there wasn’t much this man wouldn’t do to get a win for his team!
Despite his heroic victories, Joe won Viva’s hearts showing his softer side putting the jungle’s two pet emus under his wing, check out this video published by ‘Mrs Joe Pasquale’.
An Audience with Joe Pasquale
ITV blessed the UK with the broadcasting ‘An Audience with Joe Pasquale’ in 2005, the show was a huge success with nine million Brits tuning in to see the helium-pitched comedian take to the stage with his side-splitting comedy.
Unlike his DVD, the ITV show featured twenty minutes of never seen before footage, featuring celebrity guests such as Barbara Windsor, Jodie Marsh, Boy George, Bradley Walsh and many more!
Fast forward to 2018, Joe is still wowing audiences up and down the UK now with his 2018 tour ‘A Few of my Favourite Things’.
Joe Pasquale’s First Standing Ovation
In an interview featured in the Big Issue, Joe shared with readers that his first standing ovation was when he had an unfortunate collision with a microphone. We are unsure to the exact date of this, however; we assume it was early in his career, but make sure to look out for any microphone related accidents at his latest performance at Viva Blackpool!
Dancing on Ice
Despite finishing at the bottom and being booted off early after his battle of the jokers in his final skate against Keith Chegwin, judges came to the disappointing decision to say goodbye to one of Viva’s favorite comedians.
Although being branded as the ‘worst we have ever had’ by Head Coach Karen Barber, no one can deny that Joe’s attitude and determination was faultless in his attempts to win Dancing on Ice, much like his past win on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.
Admittedly, Joe said “I don’t think I was booked on my skating”, but was honored to be working with the legendary Torvill and Dean.
Grace and timing might not be one of Joe’s strengths but we can’t argue with Joe’s Flash performance!
Charity Work
Joe has also been an influential figure, representing multiple charities to do with male health. Alongside other celebrities, Joe helped to spread awareness of the Man Alive Campaign in 2005, which was run by Cancer Research UK.
The campaign was created to alert men of the dangers and consequences of being overweight and to encourage exercise. The main goal of the campaign was to spread awareness of the connection between obesity and cancer. Physical inactivity can cause cancer in men – this cancer can be prevented with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Joe has even jumped out of a plane alongside daughter Tina in aid of Diabetes UK.
Theatre Career
In recent years Pasquale has begun acting on stage. Joe has had an illustrious theatre career, and can well and truly be considered panto royalty! Just some of his many roles include Smee in Peter Pan, King Arthur in Spamalot, Sherlock Holmes in Ha Ha Holmes! The Hound of the Baskervilles and Leo Bloom in the producers.
Joe Pasquale is coming to Viva Blackpool on Friday 28th September!
Prices (Based on Reserved Seating)
Show Tickets from £24.50 to £26.50pp
‘Show & Dine’ discounted upgrades from £16.95 to £21.45pp
Book your tickets by clicking here or call 01253 297 297.
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Step Back in Time…
11 September 2018
Although Viva Blackpool may be a relatively new entertainment venue in Blackpool, its history can date back to 1899. Shrouded in history, the Vegas Venue in the heart of Blackpool was once the home of The Alhambra Complex. The theatre provided a hub of variety and above all first-class entertainment for Blackpool locals and those visiting the seaside town, much like it does today.
Designed by Theatre Architects, Wylson & Long for just £382,000 (equivalent, to just over £47 million), this building was set to wow all that walked through its doors. Upon entering the impressive building you were greeted by the outstanding entrance Hall located in the center of the building that linked its in-house entertainment venues, including its own Theatre, Circus, Ballroom as well as its many cafes and restaurants. Notably, due to the location of this monumental building, it put itself in direct competition with the iconic Blackpool Tower.
Sadly, despite tremendous efforts, The Alhambra Theatre was sold to its rivals The Blackpool Tower Complex after going bankrupt in 1902, just two years after its grand opening.
Blackpool Tower Take Over
With the saddening closure of The Alhambra, The Blackpool Tower Complex set to make it yesterday’s news with there plans to create The Palace Complex.
Now with fire in their bellies, The Blackpool Tower Complex not only wanted to take over this fantastic building but to shape it into there own vision, and with the help of Theatre Architect, Frank Matcham, this became possible.
Opening in 1903, The Palace Complex turned into a then modern home for entertainment with the opening of its Palace Picture House and Palace ballroom in 1911 meaning one could have full access of its attractions for just one Place Theatre ticket. This reasonably priced entertainment complex meant it caught the interest of Blackpool’s growing locals.
Fast track to March 1950, the theatre reopened showing a star-studded variety show in The Palace Theatre, with nightly ballroom dancing, and dedicated weeks in the Picture Theatre including ‘The Romantic Age’ and ‘The Story of Molly’.
Unfortunately, despite its success, The Palace Theatre was demolished being one of the first of Blackpool’s theatres to be lost to make way for Blackpool’s new Lewis’ Department store.
Shop till you drop
After the loss of the much loved Palace Complex, the Lewis Department Store made its grand opening in 1964, wowing the public with its modern design and striking green lighting revealing the RHO Hills amerced in its modern honeycomb frontage.
Much like the late and great Alhambra and Palace Complex, the Lewis Department Store shared the same vision of offering multiple products under one roof. However, the Lewis Department Store applied this same concept to merchandise and services, unlike its predecessors.
The Lewis Department store was filled with an abundance of beauty, electrical, homeware, children toys, fashion as well as a café, restaurant, and a stunning roof terrace.
Many describe the closure of Lewi’s Department Store as an end of an era and a huge loss in Blackpool’s shopping district. The department store closed its doors in 1993. With interest from Bernard Delfont in creating it into an entertainment center that linked to the Tower Building. Despite this, plans fell through and the site was demolished to make way for a collection of chain-based stores.
It’s the 90’s Baby!
Move over Lewis, the 90’s are taking over! With building work starting swiftly after the closure of Lewis Department Store in 1993 making room for Poundland, Harry Ramsden’s, Woolworths Group and Mecca Bingo.
Mecca Bingo once stood at our fantastic Viva Blackpool location and we believe Mecca Bingo closed around 2007, moving to a purpose-built Mecca Bingo center on Blackpool’s Talbot Road.
Making Dreams into Reality
Fast track to June 2012 where Martin Haywood (Managing Director) and Leye D Johns (Entertainment Director) got the keys for what is now known as Viva Blackpool! From here it was all hands on deck to transform the dilapidated Mecca Bingo to the Vegas venue in the heart of Blackpool.
This amazing transformation took the team only 5 weeks from getting the keys to opening its doors on the 10th August 2012 for its grand opening. The pressure, hard work, and the organization paid off as the night was a huge success!
From here Viva Blackpool has grown from strength to strength creating jobs for Blackpool locals, a hub of entertainment as well as fantastic friends. The venue provides top class entertainment for Blackpool tourists and locals alike with its fantastic in-house shows and a whole variety of visiting acts. The Viva building has always been a place that people have come to for entertainment, enjoyment and to indulge in the finer things.
Viva has now grown into a popular entertainment complex providing everything from a dinner and show. As a company, we continue to provide the same charm from its roots as the Alahambra and are very proud to be in a building shroud with so much history within this famous seaside resort.
Special Thanks
Thank you to the Blackpool Central Library Local History Department, Arthurlloys.co.uk and The Blackpool Museum Project for supplying with fantastic information on this amazing location.
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