Blackpool Opera House

The Blackpool Opera House is a famous venue which has seen performances from the world’s greatest entertainers and shows, ever since it opened in 1939. Hollywood stars such as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Bob Hope have all graced the Opera House stage. More recently, stars including Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Ronan Keating, Jim Davidson and Peter Kay have performed to sell-out audiences here. Shows have included top West End productions such as ‘Joseph’, ‘Grease’ and ‘Cats’.

The 2,500 seat theatre cost a grand total of £9,098 to build when it first opened. In November 1910, the Opera House closed for rebuilding. It's larger replacement, by architects Mangnall and Littlewood, was formally opened nine months later.  The second Opera House was demolished 27 years later and in it's place was erected the present 3,000 seat building. Possessing the largest stage in the country, it was designed in a modernist style with a sweepingly curved proscenium.

The Opera House was opened on July 14th 1939 by Jessie Matthews and her husband Sonnie Hale, followed by the revue ‘Turned Out Nice Again’ starring George Formby. In 1955 a Royal Variety Performance, the first outside London, was given for the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. A period-style Royal box was constructed for the occasion.