Exclusive:Iconic Blackpool Funny Girls sold as Basil Newby confirms sale and handing over the reins to new owners
Blackpool’s beloved drag venue Funny Girls has been officially sold, founder Basil Newby confirms.
Basil Newby is stepping away after 40 years of running the beloved drag show venue.
Speaking exclusively to The Gazette and confirming the venue which was marketed by Christie and Co for £3.5M had finally been sold, he said: “I’ve known it was my time to retire and these are the right people to carry on legacy of Funny Girls.”
The iconic venue will now be run by an undisclosed new company marking the end of an era for one of the town’s most famous entertainment spots.
Mr Newby, 75, said: “It’s been a wonderful journey opening up in Blackpool. I love this town and it’s been an incredible experience.
“I wanted to make sure Funny Girls goes to people who truly understand and care about it, rather than someone just coming in without that knowledge. I’m confident the new owners are the right ones.
“I’m thankful it has happened, I’m 75 now it’s just too much for me.”
The sale, which has been under contract for several weeks sees the closure of Newby’s company while the venue continues under new management.
Details of the company taking over remain private.
A spokesperson from the company Christie & Co who marketed the venue for sale said: “We're not able to comment on the sale or give any further information but we expect to have an update that we can share soon.”
Back in July last year, Newby had announced his plans to step back from running the venue, saying he was ready to spend more time on personal projects, including writing a book.
He said: “It was more about finding the right people than the money. I hope the new owners will carry on Funny Girls for another 20 years, at least.”
Funny Girls, famed for its dazzling drag performances and art deco glamour, opened in 1994 and quickly became a landmark attraction, drawing audiences from across the UK and beyond.
Mr Newby was awarded an MBE in the 2014 New Year’s Honours List for services to business and to the LGBT+ community.
His influence on the resort’s nightlife over more than four decades earned him the affectionate local nickname “Basilpool.”
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