Calls for Government to help historic Grand theatre on the brink of dire financial collapse due to Covid-19

A rallying cry has been issued to save Blackpool’s historic Grand Theatre from closure after revenues have evaporated during the coronavirus pandemic.
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The theatre itself has described the situation as “the most unprecedented time” in its 126-year history and the impact could be “devastating.”

Bosses at The Grand say that without more financial support the theatre will not survive.

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It has been more than four months since The Grand shut its doors, on March 17, sparking serious fears for the future of the historic venue. Since then the funding crisis has got greater.

The Grand is at risk of closing its doors due to Covid-19The Grand is at risk of closing its doors due to Covid-19
The Grand is at risk of closing its doors due to Covid-19

The annual pantomime, one of the venue’s biggest events, has already been cancelled because of social distancing rules, due to the theatre not being prepared to put vital funds into a show that might not be able to be seen by the public.

There are also fears that 57 staff, most of whom had been furloughed during the lockdown, could be made redundant when the job-saving scheme ends on October 31.

Ruth Eastwood, the theatre’s chief executive, has warned that unless a £500,000 grant is given to the venue by the Government (as part of its £1.57bn support package to the arts industry) then it will be forced to close, making staff redundant.

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She also said that socially distanced performances are not viable for as only 20 per cent of seats would be fillable.

The building is 126-years-old and was designed and built by the leading Victorian theatre architect Frank MatchamThe building is 126-years-old and was designed and built by the leading Victorian theatre architect Frank Matcham
The building is 126-years-old and was designed and built by the leading Victorian theatre architect Frank Matcham

News of the theatre’s crisis has sparked hundreds of people to come in support of the venue and its staff.

Andrew Betteridge, who was communications manager for former Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden, has started a petition to save the historic building.

He said: “Blackpool’s iconic Grand Theatre has been showing live plays and performances for over 125 years. It has been the place where many aspiring actors and actresses have started their careers and has played host to some of the biggest names in entertainment over the years.

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“It’s a building that is loved by everyone with shows and performances, whether that be amateur or professional, to suit everyone’s taste and interests.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in Blackpool, arriving at the Grand Theatre, for a royal visit in 1994Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in Blackpool, arriving at the Grand Theatre, for a royal visit in 1994
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in Blackpool, arriving at the Grand Theatre, for a royal visit in 1994

“Without the Grand Theatre, Blackpool wouldn’t be the special place it is.

“That’s why we must not allow it to close it’s doors for good as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The UK Government with other stakeholders must urgently come together so the theatre’s future can be protected.

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“Anything less would be a tragedy for the local performing arts sector and for everyone – both locals and visitors who have fond memories going to The Grand to see a live show.”

This isn’t the first time the venue has faced closure. In 1972 the Grand’s owners, Blackpool Tower Company, wanted to flatten the theatre following a decline in visitor numbers.

Fortunately, the theatre was saved by a group of local campaigners who were backed by entertainers such as Sir Ken Dodd and BBC broadcaster Alistair Cooke.

The Grand reopened in March 1981 with a performance of The Merchant of Venice starring Timothy West and Prunella Scales, who were also members of The Friends Of The Grand.

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Thousands of performances have taken place since however since the pandemic lockdown this crisis is like no other for the theatre and it’s future is very much hanging in the balance.

A rich and famous history

The theatre’s rich history began in July 23, 1894 - the first day the doors were opened at the Church Street Venue.

Built over nine months for £20,000, the theatre has weathered many storms and endured windfalls and hard times.

Designed and built by the leading Victorian theatre architect Frank Matcham, it was created for Blackpool’s first successful theatrical manager Thomas Sergenson.

He described it as ‘Matcham’s Masterpiece’.

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The very first performance at the 126-year old Grade II listed building was a production of Hamlet with Wilson Barrett in the starring role.

The programme was printed on pure silk and perfumed with Tower Bouquet by a chemist in Church Street.

Sergenson headed the theatre until 1909 when it was sold to the Tower Company, which owned the theatre until 1968.

During that time, the Grand Theatre enjoyed the pinnacle of the golden years of theatre, bringing shows, plays and musicals, as well as some of the biggest names of the day to the stage, regularly performing to sell-out audiences.

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However with the arrival of television and the popularity of home entertainment soaring, the sale of theatre tickets slumped, impacting the Grand’s sustainability.

It was with that, the doors closed in 1972 and the theatre remained shut until opening for bingo in 1977.

A subsequent fund-raising effort lead to its reopening as a fully working theatre in 1981.

In the four decades since, the theatre has undergone a major refurbishment and is once again a central part of Lancashire’s entertainment.

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If it can weather the greatest storm it has ever encountered, it can hopefully play to audiences for many more years to come.

Stars come out in support

Former Emmerdale actor Tom Lister, who performed at last year’s pantomime, said: “The heartbreaking story of theatres up and down the country who are facing closure and redundancy. Grand Theatre is so close to my heart. I sincerely hope we save these buildings and all the people who create magic in them.”

BBC Radio Lancashire presenter and event performer Hayley Kay said: “It’s almost unthinkable, but we could lose our precious Grand Theatre. As a local, historically this building is hugely important and it’s crucial to our town’s cultural future.

“As a parent, we can’t deprive our young people the chance to experience this building and the magic that happens within its walls.

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“I’ve hosted School’s Alive every February at The Grand since 2003 and watched thousands upon thousand of local children take to that stage and shine.

“As a performer, it’s an honour to walk (or fly) from the wings onto that stage. It’s a Frank Matcham masterpiece and I don’t know a single person ‘in the business’ who doesn’t adore performing here.️ Please donate or support in whatever way you can.”

Actor and songwriter Bobby Crush said: “It would be tragic were this to happen. It’s an absolute gem of a theatre built by the legendary Frank Matcham - one of my favourites. What is happening to our industry?”

Blackpool actress Amy Louise Tickle said: “Please, please, please help save the Grand Theatre. This isn’t just a building, it is part of a community. This theatre provides a place of hope for many young artists growing up in Blackpool which is a deprived area.

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“Without the Grand I would never have pursued a degree in acting then later received a place studying theatre and performance studies at Bristol University.”

Actor and singer Katy Eva Mckenna said: “I am so sad for the Grand Theatre. It is one of the most beautiful theatres in the country and brings so much joy to our town. Here I carried out my first professional contract and watched my first pantomime. If you can spare anything at all please do.”

How you can help out

The Blackpool Grand Recover Fund was launched to help save the historic theatre from closing.

A spokesman for the theatre said: “Right now Blackpool Grand Theatre, like theatres all around the world, is experiencing the most unprecedented time in its history and the impact could be devastating and we’d like to ask for your help.

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“Please take a moment to consider making a donation to our Blackpool Grand Recovery Fund, however small, to help The Grand survive this crisis and continue to make memories for the children, families, visitors and friends who have grown up with this wonderful theatre.

“The Grand is a charity that does work with schools, in the community and with those in need, helping to make Blackpool a better place to live work and learn.

“We understand that the NHS, Social Care and Education must take priority at this difficult time. However, we believe that, if we are able to survive, we can play an even more active role in helping rebuild the spirit, resilience and wellbeing of our audiences, participants and volunteers.”

To donate to the fund go to www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/join-and-support-us/how-to-support-us/blackpool-grand-recovery-fund and if you want to find out other ways to support the theatre visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk/support