Showtime

Showtown stands in Blackpool, a seaside resort on the Lancashire coast. It occupies a modern building on Bank Hey Street, close to Blackpool Tower. The museum tells the story of Blackpool as a centre of entertainment, with galleries on circus, magic, dancing and the Illuminations. It is run by Blackpool Heritage and Museums together with Blackpool Tourism Ltd, both owned by the council. Showtown opened to the public in March 2024 after earlier plans for a larger museum were cancelled. The museum is worth visiting because it holds objects linked to famous performers. The V&A lent 28 items, including Tommy Cooper’s fez and the Sooty, Sweep and Soo puppets. Showtown later acquired Charlie Cairoli’s programmes, letters and wartime performance records. The galleries mix artefacts with games and walkaround characters to bring the past to life. Its lead designer called it a museum for people who do not usually visit museums. The opening ceremony was attended by singer Alfie Boe and BBC Lancashire figures. Visitors find five themed galleries spread over one floor. Beside the Seaside shows Blackpool’s history with a 17-metre screen and a prop donkey. Roll Up! Roll Up! displays circus costumes and props, including Norman Barrett’s ringmaster outfit. Everybody Dance Now features the Tower Ballroom’s dance floor and costumes from Strictly Come Dancing. How’s Tricks? holds magic posters and Houdini’s police cell. The Illuminations gallery lets guests design their own light displays on interactive screens.