Tag: Celebrities

The Beatles Perform at the ABC Theatre

Posted by

The Beatles performed at the ABC Theatre in Blackpool on several occasions during the height of their fame in the 1960s. On 21 July 1963, they took the stage there as part of a series of Sunday night concerts, just after their debut album, “Please Please Me,” came out. They were back on 9 August 1964 for a major concert that was broadcast live on ITV’s “Big Night Out.” By then, The Beatles were international stars with hits like “A Hard Day’s Night” and “She Loves You.” Their final performance at the ABC Theatre was on 1 August 1965 and… Read more »

Laurel & Hardy Wows Blackpool

Posted by

In 1947, the legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy made a memorable stop in Blackpool as part of their UK tour. This tour was significant as it marked one of their first stage performances in the UK following their immensely successful career in films. By this time, they had already become household names around the world thanks to their iconic slapstick comedy and timeless films. The UK tour, which included a performance at the Blackpool Opera House, was an eagerly anticipated event, drawing large crowds who were excited to see the pair live on stage. At the Blackpool Opera House,… Read more »

Frank Sinatra at The Opera House

Posted by

Frank Sinatra performed in Blackpool twice, with his first concert in July 1950. At that time, his career was struggling in the US, so he became Blackpool’s highest-paid performer, earning £2,000 per show at the Opera House. He told his chauffeur, Frank Lucas, “You know I could be mayor of this town!” as excited fans cheered, clapped, and banged on his car windows when he arrived. Sinatra loved the local support, saying, “They love me in this town, don’t they?” He came back for two more performances in Blackpool in 1953. Sinatra’s performance at the Blackpool Opera House on July… Read more »

George Formby Society attends Blackpool Convention

Posted by

The George Formby Society was at the Blackpool Convention this June, showing their commitment to preserving George Formby’s legacy. Formed to honour the famous entertainer, the society keeps his musical traditions alive by performing his classic songs on the ukulele. Their appearance at the convention highlights their dedication to sharing Formby’s music and memory with new audiences. The George Formby Society, founded in 1960, is a fan-based organisation dedicated to preserving and celebrating the life and legacy of George Formby, one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers of the 20th century. Known for his skills as a ukulele player, singer, and… Read more »

George Formby Plaque Unveiled at Home

Posted by

In 2012, George Formby was honored with a blue plaque at Beryldene, celebrating his lasting impact. The ukulele has become closely associated with Formby, who was known for his cheerful smile, child-like charm, and unforgettable performances cherished by people on the Fylde Coast. George was born in Wigan in 1904 and initially seemed headed for a different career. His father, George Formby Snr, a well-known performer, once said there was no need for ‘another fool’ in the family. But after his father passed away in 1921, George Formby Jr. chose to continue his father’s legacy. His early act resembled his… Read more »

George Formby at Football Match

Posted by

On 6 May 1939, during the Blackpool versus Portsmouth match, George Formby was photographed alongside two key figures of the football world: James Blair, the captain of Blackpool FC, on the left, and Jimmy Guthrie, the captain of Portsmouth FC, on the right. The trio was holding the FA Cup, which had been recently won by Portsmouth just a week earlier, following their victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the final at Wembley. This moment captured a sense of celebration and camaraderie, with the FA Cup symbolising not only Portsmouth’s triumph but also the enduring connection between football and popular culture… Read more »

Samuel L Jackson Visits Fleetwood

Posted by

Samuel L. Jackson made an entertaining appearance on “The Graham Norton Show,” where he shared a humorous story about his visit to Fleetwood involving taking selfies and sightseeing to spot what the town at the time was known for.

Funny Bones Comes To Blackpool

Posted by

“Funny Bones,” a 1995 comedy-drama directed by Peter Chelsom, prominently features Blackpool, as one of its main filming locations. Famous for its entertainment history, comedy, and variety shows, Blackpool was the perfect backdrop for a film about humor and performance. The town’s lively and nostalgic vibe provided an ideal setting. This coupled with renowned landmarks and amusement venues, like the Blackpool Tower, the historic Winter Gardens, and the bustling piers and promenade, gave the film a distinctive and authentic feel. These iconic spots helped ground the story in a recognisable place, adding to its unique visual style. The film captures... Read more »

Launch of ‘Naturally Insane’ The Life of Dan Leno

Posted by

The launch of NATURALLY INSANE! THE LIFE OF DAN LENO, a new play by Blackpool based writer David Slattery-Christy featured Blackpool’s own panto star Steve Royle. For more on David Slattery-Christy, please see our other post here. Victorian superstar Dan Leno, a comedic genius from the English music hall scene, delighted audiences with his lively and quirky performances during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for his clever jokes and energetic style, Leno became a beloved entertainer in his time and left a legacy that continues to this day; especially his influence with physical comedy, making him a… Read more »

Queen Elizabeth II’s First visit to the Fylde Coast

Posted by

Queen Elizabeth II visited the Fylde Coast several times during her 70-year reign, and people in Blackpool always gave her a warm welcome. Her first visit was in 1955 when she attended the Royal Variety Performance. She came back in 2009 for another performance. During these visits, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh also checked out The Grand Theatre and Blackpool Tower for the first time. In the photo: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh meet singer Alma Cogan and show presenter Jack Hylton after the Royal Variety Performance at the Opera House in 14 April 1955. Inset… Read more »