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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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 TH-cam 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.
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
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 👍
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!
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.....
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
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! 👍❤️
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 👍
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
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.
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 👍
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!!
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!
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 🙄🙄🙄😊😳
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
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 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! 😂😂🤣
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 👍🏼
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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?
@@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
@@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!!
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.
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*****
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.
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.
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.
Thanks Michael. Sorry to hear that. But comforting to hear it helps.
@@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.
Lovely memories of your grandad 👍🏻💙
🥰
Saw Sykes Jaques and Gyler at Grand in 1977 about 30 in audience they were brilliant x
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.
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
🎉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
Another brilliant video and history Darren of a lovely place. Always nice to see the things the public never get to see.
Beautiful theatre. What a treasure. That was amazing Darren. Thank you
Thanks Shirley
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.
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 TH-cam 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.
Wow that was brilliant thank you
Thanks Ron
what a beautiful theatre well worth the effrt restoreing it
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. :(
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
Thanks Wayne. Out today
All those little details above stage..been many times, scared of heights but end up upper circle lol..cannot wait for this series x
Thanks Mate
what a delightful place behind the scenes darren
Thanks Chris
Excellent Darren …….the lengths you go to to keep us all fascinated………Thankyou……..👍👍
yes i have been there,this was a very very interesting film ,thank you and well done
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!
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 👍
Thanks Lindsey
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!
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.....
Thanks Mike
@@AdventureMe Will have coffee or tea at the ready for part 2.
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
Glad to help
Another great video and very interesting. I'm already looking forward to the next part
Thanks Ronnie
Hey Darren
Another wonderful video. Your passion is what makes these behind the scenes adventures so enjoyable!
Just brilliant Darren , so interesting the history of the Grand Theatre. Never seen the very old photo of the Grand Theatre before . Thanks 👍🏻🎄
Another great tour into the past to the present. Thanks for the tour today, Darren. Cheers mate! 🇬🇧👍🙂🇺🇸
Thanks bud
Another fantastic video Darren. Loved this. My kids were in there at the Pantomime earlier.
Thanks Mate
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! 👍❤️
Lovely video! Really enjoyed all the lil trivia tid bits as well .
Glad you enjoyed it
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 👍
Thanks Keith
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
Thanks Doug
Looking forward 2 next video.Thanks for showing another hidden gem.Cheers Darren.👍
Thanks Ste
Very interesting Darren. It would be interesting to know how the light bulbs get changed so far up in the auditorium .
Thanks Christopher
Hi Darren, enjoyed that one , looking like another great quality series.
Thanks Mate
Interesting video Darren, I don't have head for heights either great stuff.
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.
Another amazing behind the scenes tour. Frank matcham also did the Blackpool tower circus . That an amazing designer
Thanks Nick
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 👍
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!!
Thanks David
Excellent work Darren - As ever very well researched with great footage, look forward to part two.
Thanks Mate
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!
Brilliant again .. thank you 👍
Thanks Mate
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 🙄🙄🙄😊😳
Thanks Colin
Enjoyed the video, you do a great job.. all the best.
Thanks Sarah
@@AdventureMe 👍
Please show the old bar from Blackpool Central station in part 2 !
Yes. Next part.
Wow another incredible video you never disappoint the only performance I've seen was phantom of the opera on ice !!!! 💞💞💪💪👍🇫🇷🙏🙏🍺🍺
Thanks Eddy
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
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.
Thank You
Been there a few times, last time was to see Cannon and Ball, now that dates my last visit. 🤔😱
Sure does. Then I feel old too. I saw them too.
@@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! 😂😂🤣
Just subscribed! Really interesting video 👍 I'd like to visit all the Frank Marcham theatres 🎭
Thanks Alex, welcome aboard.
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 👍🏼
Thanks Dan
Love this space ❤
Just to say that all your clips are fascinating
Thanks
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.
Excellent !
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.
The boxes were there for you to be seen, not to see the show.
I'm going to this theatre tomorrow, The haunting of Blaine Manor. Now I know what I have to look forward to, thank you:)
Absolutely fascinating, what a grand building, wonder if its got its own ghost 👻
Thanks Andrew
Reminds me quite a lot of the Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Thanks Mate
Arthur askey, the love match, my dad made us watch it, it was a decent black&White film
Amazing video again 😊 this was Ken Dodd's second home he is very much missed. 😔
Seen Ken Dodd several times. Always a packed theatre. We miss Doddie too🥲
Thanks Holli
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.
So true
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?
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
Thanks Lynn
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.
Thanks. I was ok as I was on a metal structure. Had it been open, I would have been crying lol
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?
That's enough innuendo for one day! 😂😂🤣
Nah it's Blackpool where any innuendo is acceptable 😎😂
You sound like a Blackpool Postcard lol
@@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
@@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!!
the 1st thing that popped into my head was the phantom of the opera 😂
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.
Thanks Elijah. Yes I very much enjoyed doing that series being local. Thanks for the info.
amazing!
Another great video.
Thanks again!
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*****
Thanks Bud
Really interesting mate
Thanks Nix
Superb 🤩🤩🧱👍🏽
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.
Thanks Michael. They call it the roof space, hence my wording.
Thanks for braving those stairs to show us what's up there. Rather you than me 😬
Thanks Sam
Thanks
Thanks 👍
@@AdventureMe 👍
Reminds me of the Kursaal in Southend-on-Sea. Very interesting building in Blackpool. Is it still being used or is it now derelict.
Still a theatre, used most of the time. We went a few weeks ago to see Spike.
Ok
It used to cost the price of 4 seats for a box. Not sure if that has changed?
It's a ceiling the roof is external ❤
14:12 surely they should have secured the glass
Another cracker of a video. Also thanks for explaining the origin of the phrase 'break a leg' . Its always puzzled me
Thanks Rob
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.
Which was the actual day when you say back in the day?
In its original form
The gallery has rails but the other upper levels have nothing but a low ledge to stop you falling over the edge.
Thanks Danny
Ththeatre is beautiful, especially the roof. Thank goodness it was demolished.
grand serets....apart from the SCI stuff like you get with the tunnles....that litratly is SCI sensitive compartmented information
“Check out that roof” did you mean “check out that ceiling”? 🤦♂️
The Royal box seats don't look that comfy if I'm to be honest 👀
👍👍👍😊
9 months? 🤣
9 months for what??
This does not Fit the Narrative
Fit the narrative??
I must agree with all the great comments below. Great video once again.
Thank you