Grand Theatre Tribute to The Queen

Blackpool Grand Theatre Statement

Blackpool Grand Theatre is deeply saddened by the announcement from Buckingham Palace of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Chief Executive, Adam Knight, said: “The thoughts of everyone at Blackpool Grand Theatre are with the Royal Family at this very sad time. We join with every citizen of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the whole world in mourning the loss of our longest reigning monarch.”

Chair of Blackpool Grand Theatre (Arts & Entertainments) Ltd, Anthony Stone, said: “Her Majesty has a special place in the history of Blackpool Grand Theatre and we were honoured that she visited the theatre on the occasion of our centenary celebrations in 1994”.

The Grand remembers with fondness the special visit from Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh on 22 July 1994 on the eve of the Grand Theatre’s centenary. Her Majesty was greeted and escorted throughout the visit by then Chairman of the Grand Theatre Trust, Samuel Lee, who introduced Her Majesty to the theatre team. Miss Rebecca Brookes (aged 5) presented Her Majesty with a posy.

Her Majesty was then escorted to The Grand’s auditorium for an opportunity to view the Theatre from the Stalls and to see a dress rehearsal of the Centenary Gala to be held the following evening. After the rehearsal, Her Majesty had the opportunity to speak with the performers and view a selection of the Theatre’s extensive archive. Finally, Her Majesty unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion of her visit to Theatre, which can be seen in the Dress Circle foyer.

Chair of Blackpool Grand Theatre Trust Ltd, Roger Lloyd Jones, said: “We’ve been fortunate that many members of the Royal Family have taken an interest in our theatre, one of Frank Matcham’s finest, and hosting Her Majesty following the refurbishment and restoration of the auditorium was a particular highlight for everyone involved”.

Chair of The Friends of The Grand, John Grady, said: “The Friends of The Grand were honoured to share with Her Majesty the contribution that so many in Blackpool’s community made towards saving this wonderful theatre for the enjoyment of generations to come and are deeply saddened at the news today.”

As a mark of respect, Blackpool Grand Theatre was closed on Friday 9 September and on the day of the funeral, Monday 19th September.