Proposed seating improvements at Grade II-listed Blackpool Grand Theatre

Plans are being made to introduce a much improved yet sympathetic reseating of the top gallery tier at Grade II-listed Blackpool Grand Theatre.

The proposals are intended to build on the restoration work already carried out at the Victorian theatre, considered by many to be among the best of its kind in the country.

A planning application has been submitted to Blackpool Council seeking consent for alterations to the layout and reseating of the Gallery including new handrails and amphitheatre barrier.

The proposals are intended to open up the side slips and introduce a follow-spot position in the centre of the rake with direct access off the corridor below.

The Grand Theatre Blackpool was originally constructed in 1894 and designed by Frank Matcham, one of Britain’s most renowned theatre architects.

However, the theatre – regarded as one of Blackpool’s true architectural gems – unthinkably faced demolition in the 1970s and was only saved thanks to a public outcry and local efforts to preserve it.

A Design Statement for reseating the gallery has been prepared by Theatresearch,a leading historic theatre consultancy that specialises in the conservation and restoration of historic theatre buildings.

It states; “The Grand Theatre Trust has continued to methodically and gradually restore the building back to its former glory. “The next phase of development involves the introduction of a much improved yet sympathetic reseating of the top gallery tier.

“It seeks to improve accessibility, comfort and sightlines for all patrons within this area of the auditorium, whilst also undertaking appropriate redecoration. “Since its construction the Gallery has been re-seated on several occasions, each scheme seeking to improve on the previous, whilst never considering an option to return to Matcham’s original sightline.

“In consequence re-tiering has taken place on top of re-tiering and in doing so has created a precipitous and inappropriate sightline for enjoying a performance.

“Furthermore, the existing and much later handrails obstruct the view whilst aisle-ways have been relocated in locations that Matcham never intended.

“For its proposals, the Grand Theatre seeks to reinstate the original sightlines by stripping away all the gallery tier’s later accretions in order to return the space back to its original profile.

“By halving the number of rows that Matcham originally intended it will then be possible to enjoy a performance with the original sightline but also with twenty first century comfort.”

The statement says the designers of the project have taken a “heritage approach” that also takes account of the requirements of twenty-first century comfort.

By lowering the tier back to its original sightline and by halving the number of original rows the leg room and comfort will be significantly improved.

Similarly benches would be replaced with traditional heritage style seating that matches the existing seating arrangements in the stalls, grand and upper circles.

Mohair velvet seats

The seating incorporates all the traditional elements of a Matcham seat: mohair velvet upholstery, hardwood arm rests, polished timber back, and a cast iron stanchion (but not tipping).

The statement added: “The scheme delivers 215 seats which, whilst approximately half the number as originally provided, will create a ticket yield which is significantly more than the present arrangements.

“Furthermore the sightlines will be far better, the handrails will be much improved and the comfort far beyond the current benches.

“We have aimed to provide arrangements that are sympathetic, comfortable, and above all improve the theatre’s long term sustainability. It will help to develop the theatre’s artistic programme attracting promoters and producers who currently do not come to Blackpool. “

Theatresearch say they have used this heritage philosophy approach previously in Matcham theatres, notably at the Theatre Royal & Opera House in Wakefield and the Theatre Royal in Newcastle.

The costings and funding sources for the project have not been included in the planning application documents.