The Opera House

One of the country’s largest theatre, with a seating capacity of almost 3,000, the Opera House is a world famous venue which has seen performances from some of the greatest entertainers and shows such as stars of yesteryear Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Bob Hope to today's biggest names like Peter Kay, One Direction and JLS. Many of the most popular touring shows have graced the stage including ‘Joseph’, ‘Grease’, ‘Cats’ and 'Calendar Girls'. The capacity of the theatre also makes the venue a perfect location for major corporate presentations and staff briefings.

For further information please telephone - 01253 629728 during office hours or e-mail to events@wintergardensblackpool.co.uk  

A little bit of history ..... 

The Winter Gardens’ present theatre is actually the third Opera House to have been built on the site. The first, designed by famous theatre architect Frank Matcham, was named ‘Her Majesty’s Opera House’ and opened with Gibert & Sullivan’s new opera ‘Yeomen of the Guard’ on June 10th 1889. The 2,500 seat theatre cost a grand total of £9,098 to build. 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.