"I'M ready for my close up now Mr De Golden Mile." To paraphrase the line made famous by Gloria Swanson in the classic fifties film, Sunset Boulevard is on its way to Blackpool.

A major national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical based on the film opens at Blackpool Opera House on January 22 starring comedy impressionist Faith Brown as fading star Norma Desmond.

Produced by The Really Useful Theatre Company and directed by acclaimed opera and theatre director Robert Carson, this is the first time ever Sunset Boulevard will have been seen outside London

Set in the Hollywood of the early fifties and based on Billy Wilder's classic starring Gloria Swanson, Sunset Boulevard is a compelling story of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition.

While the stars relax by their palm-shaded pools flamboyant silent movie actress Norma Desmond is planning her return to the silver screen.

Thirty years ago she was the biggest star of all. Now, with struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis by her side, Norma is ready to take her place in front of the cameras once more.

Winner of seven prestigious Tony Awards and with one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most memorable and haunting scores, Sunset Boulevard has played to standing ovations and won critical acclaim across the globe.

Director Robert Carson also directed Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical collaboration with Ben Elton, The Beautiful Game. And choreography is from Peter Darling whose credits include the smash-hit film Billy Elliot plus Olivier Award winning productions of Candide at the Royal National Theatre and Merrily We Roll Along at the Donmar Warehouse.

Sunset Boulevard runs at Blackpool Opera House from January 22 to February 16. For bookings, ticket prices and further information call Blackpool Live on (01253) 292029.