Friends of the Grand

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The Friends of The Grand was formed in 1973 to save Blackpool’s Grand Theatre from demolition. They are an independent organisation that provides financial and voluntary support to the theatre. Early Friends included such names as Violet Carson (Ena Sharples), Alistair Cooke, Ken Dodd, Leslie Crowther, Tim West and Prunella Scales, Billy Pearce and Johnnie Casson.

Over the last twenty-five years, The Friends have contributed in excess of one million pounds towards projects including the provision of new carpets, seating and technical equipment. Membership is £20, with an under-18s and over-65 price of £10 per year.

Friends 50 YEAR ‘Show and Dine’ Event

Blackpool Grand Theatre ‘Friends of The Grand’ this year celebrate 50 Years. Formed in 1973 to save the historic gem Blackpool Grand Theatre from demolition, the first ‘Friends’ were literally hands-on painting dressing rooms, repairing holes to the ceiling, and getting the theatre into better shape. Critical funds were raised in many ways over the coming years, including midnight matinees; all part of the bid to save the theatre and in 1981, Friends purchased the Grade II* listed theatre from the then owners, EMI.

To celebrate 50 years a very special ’50 Years Show & Dine’ event will take place on Thursday 5 October. Attendees will delight in the performance of the rapturous five-star West End hit comedy Noises Off, starring one of the UK’s favourite actresses Liza Goddard, Olivier Award winner Matthew Kelly (Of Mice and Men) and Simon Shepherd (TV’s Peak Practice, West End productions of Posh, The Duck House, Rapture, Art and Hay Fever). After the matinee performance (2pm) at Blackpool Grand Theatre, a Blackpool Heritage Tram* will transport guests up the beautiful promenade from the Blackpool Tower to the Pleasure Beach White Tower Restaurant. Following a private reception, guests will enjoy a specially designed three-course menu of the very finest local produce, in the stylish surroundings of the penthouse floor of the Pleasure Beach’s Casino Building.

The in-demand tickets will be priced at £99 per person, which includes a top-price show ticket, exclusive Heritage Tram transport to the White Tower Restaurant, reception drink and 3-course dinner. Tickets are available from the Grand Theatre Box office on Church Street, or by calling 01253 290 190. This event is not limited to Friends of The Grand members, but does have limited availability, so early booking is advised.

The Friends of the Grand is a membership group of people who support the beautiful Blackpool Grand Theatre. Today, Friends raise funds from subscriptions and social events to finance projects within the theatre with an aim to enhance the comfort of patrons. Over the last 25-years, The Friends have contributed more than £1.7 million towards projects including the provision of new carpeting, seating, accessible lift and technical/lighting equipment and, with a newly elected Committee, are looking forward to supporting the work of The Grand for many years to come.

£99 per person, which includes a top-price show ticket, exclusive Heritage Tram transport to the White Tower Restaurant, reception drink and 3-course dinner.

Tickets are available from the Grand Theatre Box office on Church Street, or by calling 01253 290 190.

This event is not limited to Friends of The Grand members, but does have limited availability, so early booking is advised.

*Please note transport is ONLY provided to the White Tower, not a return journey.

Held ‘third Thursday’ of the month (please contact us to confirm).

Date       Speaker                                              Theme

Pay on the door £5pp (some events include a guest speaker, advance booking is not available, guests are permitted with a paying Friend Member)

Entrance Church Street

Friends of The Grand is a registered charity, No. 514538
Registered address: Blackpool Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 1HT