North Pier Pavilion

• Theatre ID
  2117
• Built / Converted
  1874
• Dates of use
  • 1874: continuing (seasonal)
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre
• Address
  The Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, England

Details

The Blackpool Pier Company opened the North Pier in 1863, but the Pavilion was not built until 1874. This was known as the Indian Pavilion, referring to its style of decoration. An inscription read ‘The Hearing Falls in Love before the Vision’. No architectural description has so far been found but top quality artistes appeared there. The Indian Pavilion suffered severe fire damage in 1921, was reinstated and reopened in 1924, only to be destroyed by another fire in 1938. A replacement was quickly erected, reopening 1939. Several changes in ownership have since occurred. The last change was in 1998 when Leisure Parcs took over. The present building is a fairly basic box covered with corrugated sheeting, with some recladding in plastic-covered steel. Seating is on one level. Sparse internal decoration in vaguely Art Deco style. Broad, shallow barrel vault ceiling; wide, low proscenium arch with inconsequential decoration. Minimal front of house; ample dressing rooms; orchestra pit to accommodate twelve musicians. Plans to build a 2,000 seat replacement have been discussed but no action has followed.

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• Events
  • 1874 Use: continuing (seasonal)
  • 1874 Design/Construction:
    • R Knill Freeman - Architect
  • 1922 Alteration: reinstated after fire
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1939 Alteration: rebuilt after fire
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1862 Owner/Management: Blackpool Pier Co Ltd
  • Owner/Management: recently: First Leisure
  • 1998 Owner/Management: Leisure Parcs
• Capacities
  • Later: 1912: 1000
  • Current: 1529
• Listings
  • Grade II
• Stage type
  • Proscenium Raked
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 9.3m Width SL: 14m
  • Proscenium width: 10.49m
  • Height to grid: 8.99m
  • Orchestra pit: Original