Living the Life of Riley

Vicky Entwistle Stars in "Living the Life of Riley" at Blackpool Grand Theatre

This "heart-warming, heart-breaking, and hilariously honest" family tale, direct from five-star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, dives into the emotional messiness of modern family dynamics. The Rileys navigate teenage tantrums, autism acceptance, and a no-nonsense Grandma. Written by and starring Alison Stanley, alongside talented theatre actors Leah Bell and Paul Dunn, the play explores the love, laughter, and resilience that holds families together.

Joanne Riley always knew there was something different about her son Jackson; he didn’t interact with other kids, was very demanding and rarely spoke. Then came the bombshell: Jackson was diagnosed with autism. Everyone tried to pull together but when Grandma moved in to ‘help out’ things took a decided downward turn!

Set in the comfortingly chaotic Riley household, this new play shines a light on the love, laughter and resilience that hold families together - even when everything seems to be falling apart. Whether you’ve survived teenage strops, faced the trials of parenting a child with autism, or simply tried to keep Grandma out of trouble, you’ll find a little piece of your own family in the Rileys.

Audiences have said: ‘A brilliant story, true to life, a couple of tears but many laughs… Highly recommended’, ‘The trials and tribulations of family life with serious issues and serious laughter, a fabulous cast and an amazing show’ and ‘Although very real and sad at times, it makes you realise you are not alone.’

Don't miss this unforgettable night of theatre, full of laughter, love, and life's unpredictable curveballs.

It’s raw, it’s edgy, it’s hilarious.

Its Mrs Browns Boys meets Coronation Street!