Piecing together the history of The Grand Theatre, tributes to Geoff Tolson, a true custodian of Blackpool

A custodian of culture for Blackpool with a passion for theatre.
Linda Tolson MBE and Geoff Tolson pictured on The Grand Theatre's 125th birthdayLinda Tolson MBE and Geoff Tolson pictured on The Grand Theatre's 125th birthday
Linda Tolson MBE and Geoff Tolson pictured on The Grand Theatre's 125th birthday

That is how friends and acquaintances of Geoff Tolson sum up his dedication to one of the resort's most prized assets the Grand Theatre, to which he dedicated more than 50 years of service.

The archivist and campaigner, 81, died at home after a long illness in May. His widow and fellow archivist Linda Tolson MBE says she has been touched by the flood of tributes and said his involvement in the founding of the Friends of the Grand and the set- up of the front of house volunteers would be his legacy.

The couple had been married for nearly 50 years.

Geoff Tolson offerinf one of thousands of history tours around the Grand Theatre.Geoff Tolson offerinf one of thousands of history tours around the Grand Theatre.
Geoff Tolson offerinf one of thousands of history tours around the Grand Theatre.
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She says: I'm just so glad Geoff was able to be part of the 125th celebrations, which was such a special milestone for us all. His enthusiasm and love for this venue in Blackpool was so dear.

"But it was his privilege to work for the theatre. He loved the performances but also the people we've met and the friendships made - so many from the staff and the volunteers are as committed to the fundraising and theatre as Geoff was."

Speaking of Geoff's devotion, especially in fighting for the Grand's survival in the 1970s, former chairman of the Grand Theatre Trust David Coupe says: " They campaigned alongside myself and others to save it from demolition and worked like trojans for its success throughout the five decades that followed.

He adds together their contribution was 'unique and immense.'

Grand Theatre archivists Linda and Geoff Tolson MBEGrand Theatre archivists Linda and Geoff Tolson MBE
Grand Theatre archivists Linda and Geoff Tolson MBE
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Geoff was at the forefront of the people's march at the height of the campaign and again for its reenactment last year to mark the historical Matcham theatre's 125th birthday.

David adds: "They will be long remembered as ambassadors of the Theatre giving talks and presenting slides to enhance awareness of the splendour and beauty of the Grand and the magical experience of attending live performances there.

"Geoff, a vice president of the theatre ,continued to donate countless hours until declining heath prevented him from giving more. His was a life well spent .

"The Theatre mourns his passing .It was a great privilege for me as chairman of the theatre for a number of those years to work alongside him."

Geoff and Linda Tolson MBE working on the Grand TheatreGeoff and Linda Tolson MBE working on the Grand Theatre
Geoff and Linda Tolson MBE working on the Grand Theatre
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Geoff, who was born in Cleveleys and attended Baines Grammar School, spent a considerable period recovering and assembling a fascinating archival collection which now takes pride of place in Blackpool Central Library and in Preston. The stories and archives give a fascinating insight into a very important part of Blackpool's history.

A keen participant in amateur theatre, the retired watchmaker and member of the British Watch and Clockmaker's Guild, had performed on the Grand Stage many times as a member of the Green Room Players.

It was through his association in amateur dramatics he met Linda, who shares the passion for the theatre. She adds: "His love for sharing his knowledge about the theatre and presentations, tours and talks around the north west kept him busy to the end.

"There are so many people we have met and too many wonderful highlights to count - meeting Prince Charles at the reopening of the theatre in 1981 was of course a very special time after such an epic struggle. We met him again after an invitation to Buckingham Palace for a garden party."

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The Grade II listed Matcham theatre was reopened on Monday March 23, 1981, by Timothy West and Prunella Scales in the Old Vic production of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice.

In the years after Geoff had many roles he was a chairman of the Friends of the Grand, set up the front house volunteers, a secretary of the theatre trust and then the official archivist for 24 years.

Theatre chief executive Ruth Eastwood said as well his unrivalled knowledge, Geoff's valuable advice would be greatly missed, she says: "Geoff and Linda come as a pair - huge supporters of the theatre in every way.

"They would be first to send a note of thanks, praise and feedback and made me most welcome. Geoff's great works in setting up the front of house volunteers continues and his service and love for the Grand goes without saying.

"His work

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"But he was also a great friend, a face we looked forward to seeing weekly if not sometimes every day and he will be greatly missed."

Patron of the Grand Theatre and managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach Amanda Thompson said: "Geoff Tolson was a true ambassador for Blackpool. He gave back so much with all the charity work he did for the Grand Theatre.

"He understood what was great about our town and the importance of tourism and leisure and how valuable this is to the town."

Blackpool Grand arts and entertainments chairman Anthony Stone adds: "Geoff was pragmatic and dedicated. He was personable and always sensible, he completely understood some of the more difficult decisions even with his passion of the theatre. I was so glad he was well enough to share in the 125th birthday celebrations.

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"He was a true custodian in all sense of the word - the years he put into the archives, such a massive part in the history not just for the Grand but the resort. The archives give a clear impression of the culture of Blackpool, the oasis of the culture across the resort and Geoff made that happen."

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