Blackpool: Viva’s BIG Show Night Out Show: Ticket

Blackpool knows how to put on a big night, and Viva’s Big Show Night Out goes straight for the bright lights, loud music and full-stage spectacle. You get singers, dancers, comedy, costume changes, lighting effects and familiar songs from several decades, all inside a purpose-built entertainment venue.

I like the mix of live vocals and audience participation, especially the chance to take a photo on stage with the dancers at the end. I also like the choice between a show-only ticket and a dinner package. The main caution is simple: the food is not included with the basic ticket, and one dinner experience was let down by food arriving cold.

Key points before you book

• Three hours of full-stage entertainment: Expect music, dance, comedy and visual effects rather than a quiet concert.
• Doors open at 6:30pm: Food and drinks are served before the show, so arrive with enough time if you choose dinner.
• Dinner is an upgrade: The standard ticket covers entry and the production, but not food or refreshments.
• A small cast works hard: Frequent costume changes help keep the long performance moving.
• Audience interaction is part of the fun: One performance included an interactive song and a post-show photo opportunity on stage.
• Good for a celebratory night: Families, couples, friend groups and birthday parties can all fit the format, though young children running around may affect nearby seating.

What kind of night is Viva putting on?

Viva’s Big Show Night Out is a polished cabaret-style production rather than a single-artist concert. The cast moves between chart hits, classic anthems and crowd favourites, with singers and dancers sharing the stage through a fast-moving sequence of numbers.

That variety matters. You do not need to know the name of every performer or follow a story from beginning to end. You can settle in, recognise a song, enjoy a dance routine, then wait for the next change of costume or comic moment.

The tone is upbeat and accessible. The show aims to make you smile, clap along and take part when invited. It is a useful choice for a night when you want entertainment without having to plan several separate stops around Blackpool.

The production also has a strong visual side. Expect colourful costumes, stage lighting, visual effects and choreography. The result is designed to feel larger than a simple singer-and-microphone act, even though the cast is relatively small.

Arriving at Viva Blackpool at 6:30pm

Your meeting point is Viva Blackpool, the show and party venue. The doors open at 6:30pm, and this timing is important if you have chosen a dinner option. Food and drinks are served before the main performance, so arriving late could cut into the meal or leave you rushing to your seat.

The show itself lasts about three hours. Add time for arrival, seating and any pre-show meal, and this is a substantial evening rather than a quick stage act. Check the available start time when booking, since the exact performance schedule can vary.

The venue has a fully licensed bar, and you can order drinks during the show. That gives the evening a relaxed cabaret feel, though drinks are an extra cost. If you are working to a strict budget, decide in advance how much you want to spend beyond the ticket.

A practical tip: arrive early enough to get settled before the lights go down. The cast moves quickly once the performance begins, and you will enjoy the opening more if you are not still sorting out coats, drinks or dinner.

Choosing between the $33 show ticket and dinner

At about $33 per person, the show-only ticket is reasonably priced for a three-hour live production. You are paying for singers, dancers, entertainers, stage lighting, costumes and access to the venue. Compared with a short concert or a single comedy set, the length gives the ticket a useful advantage.

The basic price does not include food or drinks. You can buy refreshments at the venue, but you should allow for that when comparing the total cost with other Blackpool night-out options.

The dinner package may suit you if you want the evening handled in one place. You arrive at Viva, eat before the show, and then stay for the performance. That is handy for birthdays, family celebrations and groups that would rather avoid finding a restaurant and then making their way to a theatre.

Still, I would treat the meal as a convenience rather than the main reason to book. The food choice was described as acceptable, but one dinner experience included food that arrived cold. If a memorable meal is your priority, the show-only ticket lets you choose where to eat beforehand, though that means arranging your own restaurant and timing.

The music, singers and dancers

The musical programme draws on chart hits, classic anthems and popular songs from across the decades. That broad selection helps the show appeal to mixed-age groups. You may hear one familiar number after another rather than a set built around one narrow style.

The live vocals are a central part of the evening. The show depends on singers who can carry big choruses and keep the pace moving, while the dancers add shape and motion between vocal numbers. One highly positive experience praised the professionalism of the production and its interactive song.

The cast also has to work hard across a long performance. Frequent costume changes are part of the design, and the effort is noticeable. A small cast handling many songs and costume changes can make the evening feel busy and energetic, though it may not have the scale of a major West End production.

That distinction is worth keeping in mind. Viva offers a lively resort cabaret show, not a large touring musical with an orchestra and elaborate story. If you want familiar songs, dancing and a cheerful night out, the format fits well. If you want subtle drama or a quiet recital, choose something else.

Comedy and audience interaction

The comedy is woven into the production rather than presented as a separate stand-up set. A compere helps connect the sections, introduces the action and keeps the audience involved.

This makes the show feel less formal than a standard theatre performance. You are not simply watching from a dark auditorium. There may be moments when the audience is encouraged to respond, sing along or take part in a number.

The interactive song received special praise, and that gives you a good sense of the mood. The participation is meant to be light and fun, not an examination. Still, anyone who strongly dislikes being addressed from the stage should know that audience involvement is part of the evening’s style.

One particularly memorable touch comes at the end, when you may be able to go on stage for a photograph with dancers in cabaret costumes, including red feathers. This is the sort of small extra that can turn a standard night at a show into a useful birthday or group memory.

Costumes, lighting and the stage experience

Viva’s production puts real weight on presentation. Costumes change throughout the show, and colourful outfits help separate one musical section from the next. Lighting and visual effects add energy, especially during larger chorus numbers.

The stage design is intended to make the room feel like a proper entertainment venue rather than a basic function space. You will see a mix of singers, dancers and entertainers, with the action changing often enough to keep the three-hour running time moving.

Viewing may be arranged in cabaret style or theatre style, depending on the performance setup. That means your exact experience of the room can vary. Cabaret seating usually gives the evening a more social, table-based feel, while theatre seating puts more focus on the stage.

If you are attending with a group, this format can work well because you can share the reaction to the songs and comedy as the night unfolds. For a couple, it offers a ready-made evening with entertainment built in. For a solo visitor, the audience participation and hosted format may make the room feel less formal than a conventional theatre.

The dinner option deserves a careful look

The dinner-and-show upgrade is convenient, but I would read the package details closely before choosing it. The supplied information confirms that food is served before the show and that a choice of food is available, but it does not set out a full menu.

One experience found the food choice acceptable but criticised the temperature. That does not mean every meal will arrive cold, but it is a fair reason to keep expectations practical. Think of dinner as part of the entertainment package, not necessarily a destination meal.

The advantage is timing. You do not have to leave the venue after eating, find a taxi or walk across town before the performance. For a birthday group, that simplicity can be worth more than a wider restaurant menu.

If you care most about food quality, book the show-only option and eat independently. If you care most about an easy, all-in-one night, the dinner upgrade may be the better fit.

Who will enjoy this Blackpool night out?

I would recommend Viva to couples who want more than a pub evening, families seeking a lively show, and groups marking birthdays or anniversaries. One family celebration for a brother’s 60th birthday was described as a fantastic evening, which matches the production’s social feel.

First-time Blackpool visitors may also find it useful. The show gathers several familiar elements of a resort night out in one venue: bold costumes, popular music, comedy, drinks and a lively audience.

The format is less ideal for people looking for a serious theatre piece or a tightly focused concert. The broad song selection and audience interaction are the point. You should enjoy the evening more if you accept the big, cheerful style rather than expecting restraint.

Families should also think about seating and timing. One evening was seriously affected by three children running around while their father struggled to control them. That is not a criticism of the production itself, but it shows how much nearby audience behaviour can matter in a cabaret setting.

Accessibility, language and booking flexibility

The activity is wheelchair accessible, and the host or greeter speaks English. The production is presented in English, so basic comfort with the language will help you follow the comedy and stage introductions.

Transport to and from Viva is not included. You make your own way to the venue, and accommodation is not part of the booking. Merchandise and souvenirs are also extra.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option gives you some flexibility, since you can book a place without paying immediately. These policies are useful if your Blackpool plans may change, but check the final booking terms for your chosen date.

The overall rating supplied for the experience is 3.4 from eight reviews. I would read that as a sign to set sensible expectations: the production itself can be very enjoyable, while the meal, cancellation issues or behaviour in the room may affect the night.

The main strengths and weak spots

The strongest part is the show itself. Live music, dance, comedy, lighting and costumes give you plenty to watch across three hours. The professional presentation and interactive moments help it feel like a complete evening rather than a short collection of songs.

The small cast is another strength when you appreciate the work involved. Frequent costume changes and a long running time demand stamina, and the performers carry a lot of the evening.

The weak spots are mainly outside the core stage act. Food is not included in the standard price, and the dinner option may not satisfy someone expecting a full restaurant meal. Drinks cost extra, and a poorly behaved family group can affect the experience for people seated nearby.

There was also a cancellation that resulted in a one-star experience. A single cancellation does not explain the cause, but it is a reminder to check your confirmation and keep your evening plans flexible if the show is central to a special celebration.

Should you book Viva’s Big Show Night Out?

Book it if you want a lively, easy-to-arrange Blackpool evening built around familiar songs, dancers, comedy and colourful stage work. The $33 show-only price is the sensible starting point, especially if you prefer choosing your own meal.

Choose the dinner upgrade if convenience matters more than having the widest food choice. Arrive before 6:30pm, allow time for food and drinks, and expect a large, cheerful cabaret production rather than a quiet theatre performance.

I would be most confident recommending it for couples, groups and birthday celebrations. For families, it can work well, but your enjoyment may depend on the behaviour of the people seated around you. If the show is cancelled or your plans change, the 24-hour cancellation policy and pay-later option offer some useful protection.

FAQ

How long does Viva’s Big Show Night Out last?

The experience lasts about three hours.

Where do I go for the show?

Go to Viva Blackpool, The Show and Party Venue, in Lancashire, United Kingdom.

What time do the doors open?

Doors open at 6:30pm.

Is dinner included with the standard ticket?

No. Food is not included unless you select a Dinner and Show package.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks and refreshments can be purchased at the venue bar.

Can I buy drinks during the performance?

Yes. Drinks can be ordered during the show.

What does the show include?

Your ticket includes a live production with singers, dancers and entertainers, plus music, comedy, audience interaction, costumes, lighting and visual effects.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What language is the show in?

The show and hosting are in English.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now-and-pay-later booking is also available.