New Opera House, Winter Gardens, Blackpool

ANOTHER BLACKPOOL IMPROVEMENT - Another important Blackpool improvement scheme which is to be started at the end of next season was announced by the chairman (Mr. R. G. Bickerstaffe» at the annual meeting of the Blackpool Winter Gardens and Pavilion Co., Ltd., at Blackpool to-day. Plans of the scheme for the re-building of the Opera House, which also embody alterations to the Palm Cafe, had been completed and approved by the Board. A start had been made on the cafe section which they hoped would be completed by next Easter. Certain alterations to the Opera House entrance and adjoining shops would also be carried out during the winter and the main theatre scheme would be done next winter.  The new theatre would have a seating capacity almost double that of the present Opera House, and would be used, if necessary, as a super cinema in the winter. [Lancashire Evening Post 10 December 1937 page 9]

OPERA HOUSE AND KINEMA COMBINED - On Saturday night last, Blackpool's 27-year-old Opera House closed for complete rebuilding. Within six weeks the theatre will have disappeared and in a few months Blackpool's new Opera House and super kinema. with a 100.ft. stage and seating capacity for 2,800 people, will have been built on the same site. The theatre will be used as a super kinema out of the season. This re-constructional plan, costing over £100,000. is the biggest in the history of the Winter Gardens Company. Dressing-room accommodation is to be doubled, chorus rooms and private rooms providing for 200 artistes. Provision has been made for the most modern kinema equipment. The scheme has been designed by C. H. Mackeith (Derham Mackeith and Partners), Church Street, Blackpool), architect to the Winter Gardens Company, in collaboration with K. L. Foster. resident engineer to the company. {Kinematograph Weekly 20 October 1938 page 41]

The New Opera House was built on the site, still remaining part of the Winter Gardens complex and was officially opened on 13th July 1939 by stage and film star Jessie Mathews appearing ‘in person’ as she was appearing at the nearby Grand Theatre. The opening stage production was a spectacular revue which included a train wreck featuring a full-sized replica of the Royal Scot steam locomotive, ‘human’ porcelain figures in “A Wedding in Porcelain” and another scene featured “A Naval Battle in the Nelson Period”. The following night on 14th July 1939 the revue “Turned Out Nice Again” starring George Formby began its Summer season run. The New Opera House was designed by architect Charles H. McKeith of architectural firm Derham, McKeith & Partners assisted by architect Budge Reid. The auditorium is in a stunning Art Deco style, similar to cinemas being built at that time. There are a series of troughs across the ceiling and down the side walls which contain concealed lighting. Seating is provided in orchestra stalls, dress circle and balcony levels. The proscenium is 45 feet wide and the fully equipped 60 feet deep stage can be used for full scale major productions. There are sixteen dressing rooms on five levels. It was equipped with a British Thomson-Houston(BTH) sound system.

Reference    Lancashire Evening Post 10 December 1937 page 9
Reference    Kinematograph Weekly 20 October 1938 page 41]
Reference    Lancashire Evening Post 14 July 1939 page 7 - official opening by Jessie Mathews