Hidden Secrets Of Blackpool's Grand Theatre

Hidden Secrets Of Blackpool's Grand Theatre | Up In The Rafters!

Рет қаралды 14,703

Жыл бұрын

Exploring behind the scenes at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool, uncovering all of it's history and Hidden Secrets. We visit many areas that the public don't get to see, such as the loft spaces, basement levels and the fly tower.
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Пікірлер: 157

@Michael-ky7sr Жыл бұрын

you know, i started watching your channel at the beginning of this year with my grandad, both blackpool locals born and bred. i used to care for him 4 mornings a week and we'd get breakfast, sit and watch whatever video you'd uploaded and he'd sit and fill in the gaps, the things inbetween the photos and videos you'd taken, stories of the people in the photos or of the places here and gone. he dided in august but your videos make me feel close to him still... thanks man.

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Michael. Sorry to hear that. But comforting to hear it helps.

@Michael-ky7sr Жыл бұрын

@@AdventureMethe winter gardens had us the most curious. i also used to spend a lot of time in the grand, my grandma was a performer during Blackpools golden age of arts and a teacherr later in life, i wasnt expecting to be thrown back so much, havnt seen the interior of this building since i was about 16. ANOTHER 10/10 video.

@shirleysmith1713 Жыл бұрын

Lovely memories of your grandad 👍🏻💙

@Canthatcrazy Жыл бұрын

🥰

@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely fascinating. I 've not been in the Grand since 1965 when I saw a Summer Season comedy production Freddie Frinton and Thora Hird. In those days, the decor was burgundy plush, albeit a bit jaded with wear. We were sat in the Lower Circle, which was not too daunting for those of us with a fear of heights. The Grand's cantilever design was allegedly the prototype for the world famous London Palladium.

@butchknapman3939 Жыл бұрын

In so many of these old buildings what the public don't see is so many times more interesting than what they do see keep up the good work

@shirleylynch7529 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful theatre. What a treasure. That was amazing Darren. Thank you

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Shirley

@Thurlby99 Жыл бұрын

Another brilliant video and history Darren of a lovely place. Always nice to see the things the public never get to see.

@gordonwebster3809 Жыл бұрын

what a beautiful theatre well worth the effrt restoreing it

@damedavidfrith55 Жыл бұрын

🎉thanks for another cracking vlog very interesting story ,you never know how much goes on in a theatre till you can get a tour of back stage

@paulstringer5327 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Darren for yet another fantastic trip into a place I seen and been in. I now know more about this place than I have done after living in Blackpool for 30 years. Looking forward to part 2.

@NickJay Жыл бұрын

Looking forward to part 2 when it comes. I love old theatres and so pleased this one was saved! Just a shame many weren't so fortunate. :(

@a11csc Жыл бұрын

what a delightful place behind the scenes darren

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris

@jack_timber Жыл бұрын

Been there a few times, last time was to see Cannon and Ball, now that dates my last visit. 🤔😱

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Sure does. Then I feel old too. I saw them too.

@EgoShredder Жыл бұрын

@@AdventureMe Same circa 1982-ish and even had the braces, although Bobby must have had them modified, because mine were standard with the metal clasp adjusters, and that blinkin' hurt if slapped against your chest with your thumbs! 😂😂🤣

@mousecharger Жыл бұрын

All those little details above stage..been many times, scared of heights but end up upper circle lol..cannot wait for this series x

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mate

@kevinmott6205 3 ай бұрын

Saw Sykes Jaques and Gyler at Grand in 1977 about 30 in audience they were brilliant x

@johnbrice2842 Жыл бұрын

yes i have been there,this was a very very interesting film ,thank you and well done

@jetsons101 Жыл бұрын

The steps on the Upper Circle are a bit of a steep step down, "don't trip." The Gallery seats are so high up some must have gotten nose bleads or needed oxygen tanks. Darren, all kidding aside, what a great piece of history. The work and craftsmanship really shows, think of the hours just spent on the plaster work, keep a eye out for roof leaks. You show such pride in keeping your local and reginal history alive. Thank again for your time, effort and hard work you put into your videos.....

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mike

@jetsons101 Жыл бұрын

@@AdventureMe Will have coffee or tea at the ready for part 2.

@rontanser9369 Жыл бұрын

Wow that was brilliant thank you

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Ron

@kennethtarran1525 Жыл бұрын

That was an outstanding video Darren. You must have many friends in Blackpool to allow you into these hidden nooks and crannies that you video so capably. I hope these series that you have done for your KZfaq channel eventually find their way into Blackpool's archives for future generations to see. I have been in the Grand several times to various shows and comedy plays, but to see behind the auditorium is really amazing. Congratulations on your videoing dexterity! Looking forward very much to the next episode.

@jerrywallop5647 Жыл бұрын

Excellent Darren …….the lengths you go to to keep us all fascinated………Thankyou……..👍👍

@douglasthompson296 Жыл бұрын

Hi Darren, terrific can't wait for pt2. Got to admit though all your height and wobbly bridges chat had my scroat drawing up tightly too 🧐. Cheers DougT

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Doug

@brianscales9912 Жыл бұрын

Another very interesting video Darren. The last time we was in here was to see the late great Ken Dodd. I remember leaving with an aching belly, due to all the laughing! 👍❤️

@deborahleach9106 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting Darren. The shots showing how high up you were spooked me so you must be brave to go up there! Looking forward to part 2!

@thebigrighthand7728 Жыл бұрын

Arthur askey, the love match, my dad made us watch it, it was a decent black&White film

@waynepaxford7263 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video I enjoyed this video Darren with great information and the history was great can't wait for next video I hope you and your family and friends are well and safe

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Wayne. Out today

@ronnievenhorst9873 Жыл бұрын

Another great video and very interesting. I'm already looking forward to the next part

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Ronnie

@lindseykaine-walley6339 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for showing us behind the scenes of the theatre. And braving the ladder upwards! I will soon know more about Blackpool than my own city!! Looking forward to the next one as always Darren 👍

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Lindsey

@ffrancrogowski2192 Жыл бұрын

A great experience seeing all of this video, Darren. There's so much to a theatre like this with all the workings of the stage and whatever. Matcham's architecture was surely the best that you could ever come across in Britain, and most certainly shows within this building. Many thanks, and looking forward to the next episode.

@christopherjordan4812 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting Darren. It would be interesting to know how the light bulbs get changed so far up in the auditorium .

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Christopher

@shirleysmith1713 Жыл бұрын

Just brilliant Darren , so interesting the history of the Grand Theatre. Never seen the very old photo of the Grand Theatre before . Thanks 👍🏻🎄

@martinmarsola6477 Жыл бұрын

Another great tour into the past to the present. Thanks for the tour today, Darren. Cheers mate! 🇬🇧👍🙂🇺🇸

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks bud

@RobinHullBuilds Жыл бұрын

Hey Darren Another wonderful video. Your passion is what makes these behind the scenes adventures so enjoyable!

@minuteman747 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant again .. thank you 👍

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mate

@zoltar666pz Жыл бұрын

As always great video from you Darren we have just come back from Blackpool & I now see Blackpool in a different light you have me looking up & exploring new places that I would never go for that I say thank you as I have been coming to Blackpool since 1965 a very very long time since i was 5 years old

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Glad to help

@calimonkey1836 Жыл бұрын

Excellent work Darren - As ever very well researched with great footage, look forward to part two.

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mate

@raymondlee4767 Жыл бұрын

Interesting video Darren, I don't have head for heights either great stuff.

@malcolmrichardson3881 Жыл бұрын

Amazing place and superb restoration project of an iconic theatre landmark. I bet the seats are rather more comfortable, with more leg-room than back in the day! They don't do ornate decoration like that anymore, either. Fantastiic! Great video! Thank you!

@markosmith8037 Жыл бұрын

Excellent !

@elliottg.1954 Жыл бұрын

Awesome video. It's great that we can see around these places - and discover secrets - through you. You are doing a grand job and we look forward to more of the same 👍

@atiny4lyfe8m1 Жыл бұрын

Lovely video! Really enjoyed all the lil trivia tid bits as well .

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@ste.h9825 Жыл бұрын

Looking forward 2 next video.Thanks for showing another hidden gem.Cheers Darren.👍

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Ste

@oddsandwindsocks5905 Жыл бұрын

Hi Darren, enjoyed that one , looking like another great quality series.

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mate

@amc5966 Жыл бұрын

Another fantastic video Darren. Loved this. My kids were in there at the Pantomime earlier.

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mate

@simongee8928 Жыл бұрын

Frank Matcham was THE theatre designer of his era. Absolutely unparallelled in his designs, colour schemes and embellishments. So sad that there are so few of his many masterpieces still in existence.

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

So true

@sarahillingworth2718 Жыл бұрын

Enjoyed the video, you do a great job.. all the best.

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Sarah

@sarahillingworth2718 Жыл бұрын

@@AdventureMe 👍

@braggelbak Жыл бұрын

amazing!

@peter_robinson Жыл бұрын

Very interesting video! I find theatres especially the Winter Gardens Opera House and the Grand Theatre interesting, always have done. Looks very dark up above the stage. The ceilings look very decorative too, must be scary looking down while working on those from above. Great video!

@kevinmott6205 3 ай бұрын

Love this space ❤

@MrChrisBarker Жыл бұрын

Another great video.

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks again!

@alexgray7422 Жыл бұрын

Just subscribed! Really interesting video 👍 I'd like to visit all the Frank Marcham theatres 🎭

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Alex, welcome aboard.

@KeithHambidge Жыл бұрын

Just when you think Blackpool has nothing left to offer another documentary along comes the Grand Theatre, fascinating insight to another great building Great work 👍

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Keith

@iomjames Жыл бұрын

This is brilliant! I work on occasion at another Matcham here on the Isle of Man, it’s cool to be able to compare the differences and the similarities. Thanks and I’m looking forward to the next instalment

@eddywells5689 Жыл бұрын

Wow another incredible video you never disappoint the only performance I've seen was phantom of the opera on ice !!!! 💞💞💪💪👍🇫🇷🙏🙏🍺🍺

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Eddy

@davidberlanny3308 Жыл бұрын

Great trip backstage really interesting. Just had a quick read up on Matcham and Wikipedia tells me he was also responsable for the Kings Theatre in Southsea. Great video, look forward to part 2 Good luck from Spain!!

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks David

@colinevans39 Жыл бұрын

M8 amazing thank you so much for your love and details so inspiring I've been to Blackpool so many times but you have uncovered so much interesting stuff aww inspiring thanks keep up the good work revealing the secrets that make people interested in life I love the unknown 🙄🙄🙄😊😳

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Colin

@nixtax3526 Жыл бұрын

Really interesting mate

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Nix

@nicklowe536 Жыл бұрын

Another amazing behind the scenes tour. Frank matcham also did the Blackpool tower circus . That an amazing designer

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Nick

@andykopgod Жыл бұрын

Absolutely fascinating, what a grand building, wonder if its got its own ghost 👻

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Andrew

@barrieshepherd7694 Жыл бұрын

Great content, can't wait for Part 2 - wish I had been there 🤣 If you have extra footage - or opportunity to get some - a study of the operations, particularly stage movement and lighting control would be fantastic Part 3 maybe? Is the original iron still there or is it now a modern replacement?

@cyberleaderandy1 Жыл бұрын

Really interesting. Ive been to a lot of shows at Blackpool, on the Piers and elsewhere but i cant remember ever going to the Grand. Its a shame as its a lovely theatre.

@Dan23_7 Жыл бұрын

I’m here 👍🏼 Brew in hand Edit: That was really interesting Darren, so much so I forgot about my coffee 😂 I love seeing the workings and bare bones of these, like you did at the winter gardens. I can’t wait for pt 2 Thanks a lot 👍🏼

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dan

@paulharvey9149 Жыл бұрын

Oh Darren, I can see that despite your fear of heights, you do like a good shaft and that even the gentlest little tug is enough to get you up and down! At least it keeps you fit, huh?

@EgoShredder Жыл бұрын

That's enough innuendo for one day! 😂😂🤣

@douglasthompson296 Жыл бұрын

Nah it's Blackpool where any innuendo is acceptable 😎😂

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

You sound like a Blackpool Postcard lol

@douglasthompson296 Жыл бұрын

@@AdventureMe nothing wrong with a mucky Blackpool post card Darren, in fact V Meldrew and Mrs Warboy have a good collection, good enough for Antiques Roadshow, no less. Cheers DougT

@paulharvey9149 Жыл бұрын

@@AdventureMe I blame the grandmother - we were always losing her on our holidays back in the day, because she'd stopped to read the saucy postcards outside some shop way behind!!

@Robby334 Жыл бұрын

Just to say that all your clips are fascinating

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@simongee8928 Жыл бұрын

Agree ref the view from a theatre box. Had one at the Norwich Theatre Royal many years ago and we couldn't see about one third of the stage thus missing a fair bit of the pantomime. The boxes have since been 'removed' in a later refurbishment.

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

The boxes were there for you to be seen, not to see the show.

@mrsgenehunt48 Жыл бұрын

Makes you appreciate just how much goes on in the background to put on a show. I always thought I had a head for heights, but there were parts in the video that made me feel a bit wobbly. You did exceptionally well to get all the footage. Looking forward to the next.

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thank You

@trailblazer8128 Жыл бұрын

Please show the old bar from Blackpool Central station in part 2 !

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Yes. Next part.

@Lighting_Desk Жыл бұрын

Reminds me quite a lot of the Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle upon Tyne.

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mate

@lynnballington8467 Жыл бұрын

Hello Darren how are you love your videos I find them very interested I use to go to the grand yhertie with my mum and dad best wishes take care stay safe xx

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Lynn

@hollimurray8856 Жыл бұрын

Amazing video again 😊 this was Ken Dodd's second home he is very much missed. 😔

@shirleysmith1713 Жыл бұрын

Seen Ken Dodd several times. Always a packed theatre. We miss Doddie too🥲

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Holli

@Dave1976. Жыл бұрын

Fantastic vlog as always Darren. I've seen many shows here in the past. Guess what....? I've even performed on The Grand Stage. The theatre is steeped in history. You will know this bit, there's rumours about a ghost as the guy who painted the ceiling died from his ladder and in the past, has been rumoured to be seen. You can go under the stage from left to right vice a versa. I've seen the Metal curtain come down in front of the main curtain. I've been in the changing rooms in the back and in the other rooms past where you entered the main room for the curtains. I use to be in an Blackpool operatic society and did many shows. Also was with a dance school which my sister was in. I've got pictures and videos of us on The Grand. I've seen a lot here behind the theatre. But not as much as what you have showed us. Can't wait for part 2. 5*****

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Bud

@BillyButlin123 Жыл бұрын

Hello, I’ve seen most of your videos and love them. Just watched the Blackpool Grand, everything was fine till you went up into the loft space and looked down me legs went a bit giddy. For a chap that doesn’t like heights you are quite the brave one. It looks similar to the Buxton Opera House, turns out Thatcham designed that one as well. Keep up the great work, it’s beyond interesting.

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks. I was ok as I was on a metal structure. Had it been open, I would have been crying lol

@74missey Жыл бұрын

the 1st thing that popped into my head was the phantom of the opera 😂

@sarahillingworth2718 Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@sarahillingworth2718 Жыл бұрын

@@AdventureMe 👍

@k9slayer Жыл бұрын

I must agree with all the great comments below. Great video once again.

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@ElijahBradley08 Жыл бұрын

Hi Darren, I remember a while ago you made a series on the east and west Yorkshire union railway, I happen to live next to where Rothwell station used to be, so I was curious about the railway, and I have found one of the locomotives that ran on the line which is currently located on the Ecclesbourne railway its number is 1884/55, if you were interested I've also discovered that in the bushes near my house there are two goods wagons near the horse field, not in great shape but they are there.

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Elijah. Yes I very much enjoyed doing that series being local. Thanks for the info.

@sampoole9549 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for braving those stairs to show us what's up there. Rather you than me 😬

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Sam

@SteveAndAlexBuild Жыл бұрын

Superb 🤩🤩🧱👍🏽

@michaelwebber8631 Жыл бұрын

What a fabulous & interesting video. Well done ! Hmmm, I do wish you would not refer to the ceiling as the roof. The roof is outside, slates ect, the fancy indoor auditorium is the ceiling.

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Michael. They call it the roof space, hence my wording.

@jekanyika Жыл бұрын

14:12 surely they should have secured the glass

@frogandspanner Жыл бұрын

It's amazing how buildings are always three times higher when looking down from the top than they are when looking up from ground level, and how on ascent the level of fear progresses from buttock-clenching to testicle-retracting.

@robgaskell2391 Жыл бұрын

Another cracker of a video. Also thanks for explaining the origin of the phrase 'break a leg' . Its always puzzled me

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Rob

@kevinmott6205 3 ай бұрын

It's a ceiling the roof is external ❤

@AndrewG1989 Жыл бұрын

Reminds me of the Kursaal in Southend-on-Sea. Very interesting building in Blackpool. Is it still being used or is it now derelict.

@petedix2554 Жыл бұрын

Still a theatre, used most of the time. We went a few weeks ago to see Spike.

@AndrewG1989 Жыл бұрын

@petedix2554 Жыл бұрын

It used to cost the price of 4 seats for a box. Not sure if that has changed?

@dannyseville2543 Жыл бұрын

The gallery has rails but the other upper levels have nothing but a low ledge to stop you falling over the edge.

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Thanks Danny

@anthonyellis987 Жыл бұрын

Ththeatre is beautiful, especially the roof. Thank goodness it was demolished.

@vaslav030547 9 ай бұрын

Which was the actual day when you say back in the day?

@AdventureMe 9 ай бұрын

In its original form

@IC225 Жыл бұрын

grand serets....apart from the SCI stuff like you get with the tunnles....that litratly is SCI sensitive compartmented information

@stationhouse5866 Жыл бұрын

👍👍👍😊

@GeminiMoon926 Жыл бұрын

The Royal box seats don't look that comfy if I'm to be honest 👀

@Mrstilskin Жыл бұрын

“Check out that roof” did you mean “check out that ceiling”? 🤦‍♂️

@jameslockwood1958 Жыл бұрын

9 months? 🤣

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

9 months for what??

@QIKUGAMES-QIKU Жыл бұрын

This does not Fit the Narrative

@AdventureMe Жыл бұрын

Fit the narrative??