Seaside History At Blackpool's Grand Theatre

Join gregarious guest speaker Gavin Henderson CBE as he takes you through a fascinating historical journey of Britain's best-loved seaside architecture on Thursday 8 February at 2.30pm. 'To walk on the sea without the disadvantage of being sick'. So said John Betjemen of piers.

Architecture at seaside resorts is invariably inventive and exuberant. Like the Grand Theatre, Blackpool's three pleasure piers were erected to make money from fun and entertainment. Early piers, built in the pier construction boom years of the 1860s and 1870s, had a practical function as landing stages for steamships full of holidaymakers. Later they became tranquil and boisterous attractions in themselves, with ornate pavilions, delicate ironwork and exotic lighting - and arcades, restaurants, ballrooms, theatres and concert halls to entertain the promenaders, or somewhere to fish or look longingly out to sea.

Piers stand as a powerful and elegant reminder of the achievements of Victorian engineers and entrepreneurs: at the beginning of the last century, almost a hundred piers existed: now only half remain and several face an uncertain future.

Of those piers with theatres, only nine survive, namely Blackpool North, Bournemouth, Cromer, Great Yarmouth Britannia and Wellington, Penarth, Southsea, Weymouth and Worthing. Many are under threat of redevelopment. But the end-of-the-pier show has not quite happened. This year, the theatre on Blackpool North Pier has been the subject of much controversy. The brightest pier theatre is undoubtedly at Cromer, home of the last traditional 'end of the pier' Seaside Special.

Grand Theatre manager, Paul Iles, said: "The Pleasure Pier public lecture continues the Grand Theatre's fascinating series of historical talks and productions. Gavin Henderson is an excellent speaker and this talk will particularly appeal to people interested in seaside heritage and entertainment, but is of particular resonance to us all in these changing times for seaside resorts and attractions." -- www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk