A man sits on a plinth surrounded by three puppets.

Family Fun

Paul Zerdin & Friends

Get ready for a night of laughter and jaw-dropping entertainment with the Paul Zerdin.

Featuring the remarkable talents of ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, the show brings to life a delightful cast of characters including Sam, the cocky teenager; Albert, the 96-year-old with a razor sharp wit; and the Baby, who hilariously believes the world revolves around him.

As a former America’s Got Talent winner, Paul promises an evening of top-notch stand-up comedy and ventriloquism, including his famous human dummy routine with an exciting new twist.

Don’t miss this unforgettable show opening the Blackpool Comedy Festival for 2025!

Recommended ages: 14+ years. Some adult themes – PG advised

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The last few years have been extremely busy for the America’s Got Talent 2015 winner, on both sides of the Atlantic. 2016 saw Zerdin head to The Las Vegas Strip for a headline residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.2017 and 2018 saw Paul appear on spin-off shows America’s Got Talent – The Champions and Britain’s Got Talent – The Champions. Since then Paul has toured the US and UK with his critically acclaimed ‘All Mouth’ and ‘Puppet Party’ shows.

Zerdin wasn’t available for comment but his character Sam in his absence said: “It’s so exciting to be back on the road in the UK. We’ve played Hollywood, New York, Vegas and now…Bedford! I just hope we can all get through the tour without a big bust up like last time!”Zerdin is arguably the UK’s number one ventriloquist and made his TV debut in 1993 as the host of GMTV’s ‘Rise and Shine’. He then went on to win ITV’s The Big Big Talent Show, hosted by Jonathan Ross.

Since then he has appeared on countless TV shows including;

The World Stands Up (Comedy Central)
The Stand Up Show BBC!
Just for Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival
Comedy Rocks with Jason Manford (ITV1)
Tonight at The London Palladium with Bruce Forsyth and Bradley Walsh (ITV1)
Michael McIntyre’s Big Christmas Show (BBC1)
The Royal Variety Performance.

Winning Series 10 of America’s Got Talent in September 2015, Zerdin and his sidekicks soon went viral on YouTube, receiving millions of views from around the world.

“Technically immaculate, it’s what he does with his slick talent that really sets him apart. His relationship with the characters has all the dramatic tension of a real life double act”
^{– The Guardian}“

A ventriloquist for South Park generation”
^{– The Stage}“

When you are not laughing you are simply in awe”
^{– Three Weeks in Edinburgh}

Acts:

Venues
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2 events on at this venue

Abingdon Street Market

Abingdon Street Market has undergone an extensive refurbishment and is proudly reopening as a food and retail destination in the centre of Blackpool. We are the home to independent businesses in Blackpool with over 20 businesses calling ASM home.

1 event on at this venue

Abingdon Studios

Abingdon Studios is a contemporary visual art studios and project space based in the heart of Blackpool Town Centre.

1 event on at this venue

Blackpool Catholic Club

2 events on at this venue

Blackpool Grand Theatre

The Grand Theatre, Blackpool is one of Britain’s premier heritage theatres. Listed Grade II*, this Matcham theatre is in the top 8 per cent of all listed buildings in England, and one of only thirty listed buildings in Blackpool. It is one of only nine large theatres listed Grade II* or above, north of London.The Grand Theatre sits alongside other significant cultural heritage assets which help to create the unique Blackpool experience. Frank Matcham’s four-tier intimate auditorium with 1,053 seats helps companies create a range of atmospheres for audiences.The Grand is owned by the Blackpool Grand Theatre Trust Limited. This organisation reopened the theatre in 1981 following the efforts of a number of committed volunteers who saved the theatre from demolition. Restoration work has continued without ever closing the theatre.

2 events on at this venue

Comedy Station Comedy Club

The Comedy Station Comedy Club first opened it’s doors in Blackpool town centre waaaay back in 2002 and boasts not only to be the first ever and therefore, longest running comedy club in Blackpool, but since moving to their own venue opposite Blackpool Tower on Bank Hey Street, they’re also the only purpose built comedy venue in the entire county of Lancashire!Over the years, the Comedy Station Comedy Club has played host to well known comedians such as Jason Manford, John Bishop, Justin Moorhouse, Adam Rowe, Dan Nightingale, Maisie Adam, Tom Stade, Angelos Epithemiou, Amy Gledhill and even appearances from comedy legends like Mick Miller!The venue’s owners pride themselves on bringing the very best that the U.K. stand-up comedy scene has to offer and with comedians from TV shows, such as Mock the Week, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Live at the Apollo and many, many more, hosted by Blackpool’s very own Ryan Gleeson you’ll certainly not be disappointed!

1 event on at this venue

Dirty Blondes

Dirty Blondes is Blackpool’s best-kept secret, tucked away on Back Church Street and brimming with character. A true dive bar at heart, it’s known for serving up huge 18-inch New York–style pizzas that are as fresh as they come, along with properly mixed cocktails guaranteed to hit the spot. Every weekend, local musicians take the stage, filling the space with lively beats and buzzing energy, and you can also catch comedy nights and other offbeat events if you time it right. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back evening, a slice of something delicious, or a bit of both, Dirty Blondes is the perfect getaway from the usual Blackpool circuit.

4 events on at this venue

House of Secrets

Russ Brown’s House of Secrets is Blackpool’s most unique bar and entertainment venue. Our vision was to bring Magic wand Illusion into an intimate setting for the whole family to enjoy.The name, House of Secrets, has a long history in Blackpool. Starting out as a joke and magic boutique on Blackpool’s famous Golden Mile it was opened and run by the ultimate wizard himself, Mr Bill Thompson, mentor to many of the UK’s leading magicians.The House of Secrets quickly became a meeting place for magicians around the world to discuss and invent new ways to amaze and astound our willing victims. Bill eventually moved the House of Secrets to another location in Blackpool, known only to a select few… A hidden Magic shop only 2 mins away from where the new House of Secrets is situated.So now for the first time ever, you are welcome to join this exclusive club and be prepared to gasp, cheer and laugh in Blackpool’s most magical venue.

5 events on at this venue

Showtown

We’re Blackpool’s brand new all-singing, all-dancing museum and you’ll find us right in the heart of the Golden Mile, next door but one to Blackpool Tower!Showtown is the ultimate celebration of Blackpool, the greatest seaside resort in the UK and world famous as a capital of entertainment.When we open our doors on Friday 15 March 2024 you’ll be able to discover the stories of the the comedians, dancers, acrobats and characters who turned our resort into the home of show business.Our six galleries showcase the very best of the seaside, magic, circus, illuminations, shows and dance.Whether you’re a fun-seeker or future star performer, everyone is welcome at Showtown.We can’t wait to discover what you love most about our fabulous museum.

2 events on at this venue

South Shore

2 events on at this venue

St John's Square

St John’s Square sits at the very centre of Blackpool Town Centre, right between the Winter Gardens and St John’s Church. As a pedestrian-only zone, it’s ringed with cafes and restaurants where you can pull up a chair on the pavement and enjoy a meal or a drink. When the sun’s out, it’s a great place to soak up the lively atmosphere, especially during the open-air events that sometimes take over the space. It’s a popular spot all year round, particularly during large-scale festivities.This square is something of a local hub for that part of town. It acts as a convenient meeting place and a focal point for various activities, while also linking several streets. Church Street cuts right through it, stretching down to the promenade. Adelaide Street meets it at a right angle, with Birley Street just a short distance away—making the square quite a busy intersection.One of the best things about St John’s Square is that it’s slightly sheltered compared to the seafront. Those bracing sea breezes are less fierce here, making it an ideal venue for public events.

2 events on at this venue

VIVA Blackpool

Get ready to be dazzled at our incredible venue, where award-winning service, delightful pre-show dining, and a fantastic bar all come together—plus some of the most spectacular shows in town! Everything is under one roof—this is no dream, it’s Viva Blackpool!

Conveniently located right beside the iconic Blackpool Tower on the promenade, and now in its seventh year, Viva is proud to be Blackpool’s 5-star premier venue for entertainment, dining, events, and weddings. We’re the talk of the town for all the right reasons.

Our amazing space features three distinct rooms, each with its own style and capacity. We’re open year-round, hosting a huge variety of in-house production shows, touring performers, and impressive private parties and events.

Most of our shows take place in our main ‘Cabaret Theatre,’ headlined by our resident cast of showgirl dancers, outstanding vocalists, and our charismatic host and compere, Leye D Johns. Popular resident productions include ‘All You Need is Love – The Discovery Of Beatlemania,’ ‘The Jersey Beats – Oh What A Nite!,’ ‘Viva Voulez Vous – A Celebration of the Music of ABBA,’ and ‘Viva! The Vegas Cabaret and Variety Show!’

1 event on at this venue

Winter Gardens Blackpool

Welcome to Winter Gardens Blackpool, an iconic venue nestled in the heart of Blackpool, known for its rich history and commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences. Since opening its doors in 1878, Winter Gardens has been a hub of entertainment, culture, and events, captivating the hearts of millions of visitors from near and far.Our magnificent venue boasts a unique blend of stunning architecture, versatile event spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities, making it the perfect setting for a wide range of events, from concerts and theatre productions to conferences and exhibitions. With a dedicated team of professionals who share a passion for creating memorable moments, Winter Gardens Blackpool continues to thrive as a driving force in the regional economy.At Winter Gardens, we honour our proud heritage while constantly evolving to meet the needs of our guests and partners. We invest in innovation and growth, ensuring a sustainable future that benefits everyone involved. We invite you to explore our iconic venue, attend our diverse events, and share in the magic that has made Winter Gardens Blackpool a cherished destination for over a century.Experience the unique charm, vibrant atmosphere, and warm hospitality of Winter Gardens Blackpool, where extraordinary moments await you.