Blackpool Grand celebrates 130 glorious years of theatre and Royal patronage

Blackpool Grand Theatre is proud to announce its 130th anniversary on Tuesday 23 July, an incredible 43 years after being formally re-opened by His Royal Highness King Charles III (the then Prince of Wales) in 1981.

This cornerstone of Blackpool’s rich cultural heritage was meticulously crafted in 1894 by flamboyant architect Frank Matcham and has been entertaining theatre audiences ever since with a whole host of exhilarating artforms on offer to all - from drama, plays, opera and dance to comedy, music, unmissable productions from the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company and, of course, the fabulous annual family pantomime.

The Grand has also had its share of triumphs and troubles over the years, survived threats and takeovers and even had to close its famous doors in 1972, but is still standing as a testament to all those who have loved it and fought for its survival. Thanks to huge public outcry and the formation of the Friends of The Grand in the 1970s (famously led by patron Sir Ken Dodd), the theatre was bought in 1980 by the Grand Theatre Trust and officially re-opened on Friday 29 May, 1981, by His Royal Highness King Charles III (the then Prince of Wales) before His Majesty enjoyed a glittering Royal Variety Performance at the theatre which included big stars of the day such as Barbara Windsor, Anita Harris, Danny La Rue and Petula Clarke, all hosted by TV legend Russell Harty.

Former Grand Theatre Archivist, Linda Tolson MBE, was one of the lucky Friends of The Grand to meet HRH King Charles during his visit in 1981. She said: “His Majesty was absolutely charming and extremely interested in the story of the theatre and how our fundraising was going. It was a wonderful moment in time that I will never forget and an incredible landmark in the history of The Grand.”

Blackpool’s glorious Grand has also hosted many other royal occasions, including a visit from the late HM The Queen and HRH Prince Philip for the theatre’s centenary celebrations in 1994, and HRH Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh (then The Countess of Wessex GCVO) in 2019 who visited to commemorate the 125^th anniversary.

Blackpool Grand Theatre Chief Executive Officer, Adam Knight, said: “As we celebrate 130 years of our cherished theatre, we reflect on a legacy rich with artistic brilliance and the huge honour of royal patronage from the King himself. From the Grand opening night in 1894 to the countless unforgettable performances that have followed, this theatre has stood as a beacon of culture and inspiration for the whole community. Our heartfelt thanks go to all who have graced our stage, and to our loyal audiences and royal supporters who have sustained us throughout the decades. Here's to many more years of magical memories!"

Other notable dates throughout The Grand’s dazzling 130 year history include The Glorious Grand Appeal in 2001, which raised much-needed funds to help restore the Grade II* listed theatre to its pristine 19th Century condition with extensive work to the artwork, plasterwork and famous domed ceiling; being named as Equity’s National Theatre of Variety in 2006; and becoming an Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation in 2012, followed by Arts Council England Sustainability Champion for Touring Arts status in 2018.

More recent milestone events include a fabulously fun-packed re-opening in 2021 with a performance of Around The World in 80s Days after the whole theatre world was rocked by closures once more during the Covid 19 pandemic; much-loved panto star and stand-up sensation Steve Royle celebrating an incredible 1,000 pantomime performances in 2022; The Friends of The Grand marking 50 years of incredible fundraising and support in 2023, and record sales for the very first UK tour of Danny Robins’ smash-hit, supernatural phenomenon 2:22 - A Ghost Story in April 2024, which appeared at The Grand direct from the West End.

The greatest actors and stars of their day have also graced The Grand’s famous stage throughout the years from Sarah Bernhardt, Tallulah Bankhead and Peggy Ashcroft to John Gielgud, Alec Guinness, Noel Coward and the great Sir Ian McKellen who paid a memorable visit during The Grand’s 125^th anniversary celebrations as part of his An Audience With tour. The Grand continues to attract big names to ‘one of the most beautiful theatres’ in the United Kingdom and more recent visitors have included Patrick Duffy, Alan Carr, Matthew Kelly, Jay McGuiness and Jon Richardson to name a few, and Grand Theatre visitors can look forward to lots of star spotting to come…

The Grand has also picked up lots of awards including Excellence in Arts Education at the UK Theatre Awards; the Hearts & Minds Award at the Northern Cultural Education Awards, and The Arts and Culture Award at the national Children & Young People Now awards - all for the theatre’s groundbreaking Story-led Resilience Programme.

Arts Council England, Director North, Jen Cleary, said: “Blackpool Grand Theatre is at the heart of the cultural scene in the town, bringing fantastic shows to its audiences with many actors who have appeared on its stage going onto have hugely successful careers. It also offers invaluable creative experiences to children and young people through its Grand Young Company and award-winning Story-led Resilience Programme helping to build confidence and skills. We’re delighted to support the theatre as one of our National Portfolio Organisations and offer hearty congratulations on its 130th anniversary!”

Further congratulatory messages pouring in for Blackpool’s cultural gem include heartwarming messages from Theatres Trust, The Frank Matcham Society and the Grand Theatre’s very own archivist:

“Congratulations to Blackpool Grand Theatre on reaching this milestone anniversary. Theatres Trust is proud to have supported the Grand over the years, most recently with a grant for urgent repairs. Designed by renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham, the Grand is one of the country’s most architecturally significant theatres. But more than that it makes an invaluable contribution to Blackpool’s economy, visitor offer and local community – a perfect example of everything a theatre can and should be.” Jon Morgan - Director, Theatres Trust.

“The Grand is not only one of master architect Frank Matcham's finest auditoriums but one of the most important theatres in the UK and its survival is all due to The Grand Theatre Trust who, having saved the venue from demolition in the 1970s, purchased the building and have invested in it ever since to ensure it continues to serve the local community.” Mark Fox - Chairman, The Frank Matcham Society.

“As we celebrate 130 years of vibrant performances and timeless stories, we should also honour the theatre’s vital role in shaping our cultural landscape. The cultural arts are for everyone, and they are incredibly life enhancing and The Grand’s beautifully rich arts heritage is something to be very proud of. Here's to the countless moments of inspiration and connection that await us in the years to come." Alistair Armit – Chairman, Blackpool Grand Theatre Arts & Entertainment Board.

"It gives me exceptional pleasure to lead the Board of the Grand Theatre Trust as we celebrate our 130th anniversary. This is the perfect opportunity to also celebrate all those courageously dynamic and forward-thinking individuals who came together to save our gorgeous theatre from demolition and to subsequently restore its reputation as a place of entertainment excellence. We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude. Bryan Lindop –Chairman, Blackpool Grand Theatre Trust.

“From Shakespeare’s Hamlet on the theatre’s first ever opening night in 1894 to family favourite Peppa Pig in 2024 and everything in between, drama, music, make-believe and magic, laughter and tears; the historic Grand Theatre lives on. 130 years old and Frank Matcham, the architect would be so proud of how it looks today." Gwen Law - Grand Theatre Archivist.

And The Grand is forever looking to the future, still blazing a trail of must-see shows from world-class drama to smash-hit West End musicals, leading the way into 2025 with JB Priestley’s multi award-winning thriller An Inspector Calls and the six-time Tony Award, Grammy Award and Olivier Award-winning musical phenomonen Dear Evan Hansen.

Blackpool Grand Theatre – celebrating 130 sensational years of live theatre for all.

For further information on Blackpool Grand Theatre, please visit www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

LISTINGS

Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HT

Box Office 01253 290 190

blackpoolgrand.co.uk

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