Joe Longthorne Theatre (former North Pier Pavilion)

Significance

The Blackpool Pier Company opened the North Pier in 1863, and it is now the oldest of the surviving piers built by renowned promenade pier architect and engineer Eugenius Birch. The current pavilion, in the Art Deco style, dates from 1939. It is Grade II listed, one of only six operating pier theatres in the country, and one of only three operating on the seaward end of the pier.

The owner of the North Pier also owns the neighbouring Central and South Piers. Together with the neighbouring Central and South Piers, the North Pier was included on the World Monuments Fund’s 2018 World Monuments Watch list.

In 2020, the North Pier Theatre was renamed the Joe Longthorne Theatre in memory of the popular entertainer who lived in Blackpool, performed more than 20 seasons at the theatre, and described it as his all-time favourite venue. A museum of memorabilia has been set up within the pier’s tea rooms.

Why is this theatre at risk?

The Joe Longthorne Theatre has been on the Theatres at Risk Register since 2014.

Following a successful bid supported by Theatres Trust, Blackpool’s three piers were placed on the World Monuments Fund 2018 Watch list.

In December 2013, the North Pier was severely damaged by strong winds. This caused the seaward end of the pier to close for health and safety reasons. During the storm, damage was also caused to the theatre. The pier reopened in April 2014, however, there are still concerns relating to the safety of parts of the pier structure.

Blackpool Council has undertaken a structural survey of the pier to help engage with the then owner on a structural repair programme.

Theatre potential

The Joe Longthorne Theatre is a popular local venue that forms part of Blackpool’s overall cultural offer and is programmed from Easter through to November.

Current situation

In 2023, reports emerged that a decline in sand levels could start to threaten the pier footings at all of Blackpool’s piers. Levels of sand loss have accelerated since 2008, with a loss at the base of the North Pier of up to 1m, although this is not believed to be an immediate threat. The council has received £57m from the Environment Agency for the Blackpool Central Area Beach Nourishment Scheme, which will look to ensure beach levels are maintained and includes the construction of sea defences.

Around a similar time 3D imaging was carried out to survey the steelwork of the pier and we understand that work was carried out to replace some of the trusses and main support beams beneath the pier.

It is intended that the 3D imaging will be updated every few years to ensure the data is current and allow the owners to prioritise repairs and schedule maintenance.

Following an accident on the Central Pier, Blackpool Council arranged a structural survey of the decking of all the piers owned by the Blackpool Pier Company.

In July 2025, the North Pier, including the Joe Longthorne Theatre, was put up for sale. On 30 June 2026, it was announced that Okken Limited had bought the pier and is committing an initial investment of £10m in upgrades to the pier, including the theatre. We understand that the current theatre management will stay in place. Theatres Trust will reach out to the new owner to discuss its plans and offer our support.

Despite the theatre being open, it is still deemed at risk due to the condition of the pier and its extreme vulnerability to climate change. It is hoped that the change in ownership and pledge of investment in the pier and its infrastructure will bring long-term stability to the theatre. However, it is considered prudent to retain the theatre on the Theatres at Risk Register until more detail is known.

Exterior image: Joe Longthorne Theatre, Theatres Trust