Opera House Theatre, Blackpool

The Opera House Theatre stands in the Winter Gardens, a large entertainment complex in the centre of Blackpool. It is a Grade II* listed building and the third largest theatre in the United Kingdom, with seating for 2,812 on three levels. The theatre was rebuilt twice, in 1910 and 1939, after the original 1889 structure proved too small. Frank Matcham, a noted theatre architect, designed the first building, which opened with a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Yeomen of the Guard. The current theatre features a modernist curved proscenium and a Wurlitzer organ installed by Horace Finch, still played regularly today. The theatre has a rich history of hosting major events, including the first Royal Variety Performance outside London in 1955, attended by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Performers at that event included Morecambe and Wise, Reginald Dixon, and Joan Regan. Another Royal Variety Performance took place in 2009, with acts such as Lady Gaga, Michael Bublé, and Diversity. The Opera House also stages variety shows, music concerts, and the annual Rebellion Festival, a punk rock event held at the Winter Gardens. Visitors to the Opera House Theatre find a grand auditorium with three levels of seating: the stalls, balcony, and circle. The Wurlitzer organ remains a highlight, played during performances and special events. The theatre’s modernist design and curved proscenium frame the stage, while the Winter Gardens complex offers additional entertainment spaces. The building’s history is reflected in its architecture and the many notable performers who have graced its stage over the decades.