Friends of the Grand
Take a look at: How To Support Us | Capital Project | Name A Seat | Legacy Giving | Magic and Sparkle | Amazon Smile | Grand Christmas Draw
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.
Nomination form (for download and completion)
Membership is £20, with an under-18s and over-65 price of £10 per year.
Coffee Mornings
Usually the third Thursday of the month (please contact us to confirm). Held at 10.30am in The Space at Blackpool Grand Theatre (entry from 10.15am) via Matcham Court only. £5 pay on the door.
Date Speaker
| Jan 16 | Jennifer Smethurst and Friends | Entertainment |
| Feb 20 | Sir Andrew Parmley | From the Golden Mile to the Streets of Gold |
| Mar 27 | Hayley Kay | Blackpool’s very own |
| Apr 17 | Alistair Armit | Chair of Blackpool Grand Theatre Arts and Entertainment |
| May15 | Bryan Lindop | Giving his fascinating talk about Blackpool Trams |
Pay on the door £5pp
Advance booking is not available.
Doors open 10:15am for 10:30am start.
Entrance Matcham Court (33 Church Street).
A Special Celebration - Friends 50 Years
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 took place on Thursday 5 October. Attendees delighted in a 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 at the Theatre, a Blackpool Heritage Tram transported guests up the beautiful promenade from the Blackpool Tower to the Pleasure Beach White Tower Restaurant. Following a private reception, guests enjoyed 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 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.
Friends of The Grand is a registered charity, No. 514538
Registered address: Blackpool Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 1HT
