They're hopefully going viral

A battle for the ages... in fact, a battle between the ages, comes up in July - at the New Continental in Preston (July 9); the Blackpool Grand studio (July 17) and the Chapman Theatre at Lytham (July 24).

Going Viral: Silver Surfers vs TikTok Teens puts unruly pensioners among the pigeons, or rather a cynical teenager and a "charming" reporter, and watches them take back the residents' lounge...

Daisy House - a quiet retirement home - masks a lively bunch of pensioners behind its but behind its worn sofas, so when a sharp-tongued teenager, Bea, arrives through a care in the community scheme, she dismisses both the place and its residents. Meanwhile, Kyle, a self-styled journalist, charms his way inside while hiding a more troubling motive.

The residents are far from ordinary though: Hester masks deep loss with biting wit; Alice’s apparent innocence conceals sharp insight; Frank is a lovable troublemaker and Donna, a former performer, has a complicated past. As secrets surface and tensions rise, unexpected friendships form and the residents unite to protect their home, becoming viral sensations of Tik Tok along the way.

The northern comedy is the latest production from Blackpool-based Blackpool Belle Productions and a new play by the company founder, Sharon Sinclair - who also appears as character Hester.

Through the company Sharon champions stories that capture the heart and humour of Northern life, as well as supporting local performers. Previous shows include Tik Tik, in which a confused man finds himself trapped between reality and imagination; Beside the Sea, in which a newly-retired northerner is desperate to rediscover her energy and embarks on a quest to become a famous actress, and Fracking Grannies about the elderly Lancashire nannas who fought Fylde coast plans to open two fracking sites.

More info and tickets here