The critics have been united in their praise of ‘Mr Blackpool’s Seaside Spectacular’ and it’s coming to illuminate Northern Stage in Newcastle this November.

I love the content warning for ‘Mr Blackpool’s Seaside Spectacular’ because along with ‘strong language’ and ‘flashing/strobing lights’ we also have ‘clown imagery’. Clown imagery! Excellent! But this is a show that’s won rare praise wherever it has played and it’s very much a show that defies easy categorisation, but the gist runs something like this: set in the not too distant future against the decimated backdrop of climate collapse or late capitalism (hey, you decide – it 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 the iconic seaside town. From being led astray by a Liza Minnelli tribute act, to starring as a high-kicking leading lady of a drag show while still a teenager, to being rugby tackled by stag and hen parties while dressed in a mascot costume on Blackpool’s Golden Mile, these are just some of the quotidian tales from the life of a Blackpool entertainer; and in this show these inspirational stories are brought to life in lurid technicolour and garish spectacle. The brainchild of performance artist and theatre maker Harry Clayton-Wright, this spectacular show has been created in collaboration with Oliver Gregor, aka Miss Titty Kaka, an international showgirl sensation, and also stars Aysh De Belle and Sam De Belle, a married dancing duo from Blackpool whose work has been seen on stage and screen. Miss this and you’ll miss out!

Mr Blackpool’s Seaside Spectacular, Thursday 6 November, Northern Stage, Newcastle, 7.30pm, from £12, northernstage.co.uk