Lancaster Grand Theatre

    The Grand Theatre, under its many names, has been a major part of the social and cultural life of Lancaster since it opened in 1782. Some key events are:

    1897 Frank Matcham, one of the best known theatre architects, designed and supervised an extensive re-modelling of the stage and auditorium.

    1908 A major fire gutted the interior of the Grand, virtually destroying Matcham’s work. Phoenix-like, less than eight months later, it reopened in an Edwardian design to which it remains to the present day.

    1951 ABC Cinemas, the then owners, sold the theatre to Lancaster Footlights, (the society who currently own it under a trust arrangement) and purchased it to secure the venue for amateur drama and music in the city.

    1959 Footlights was served with a Compulsory Purchase Order as part of the St Leonardgate/Edward Street clearance for a relief road and industrial zone. This was cancelled in 1960.

    1978 The emergency (gas) lighting system was found to be unsafe and the theatre was threatened with closure. Funds to install an electrical system were raised by means of fundraising events.

    1979 It was becoming clear that major expenditure would be needed to halt the gradual deterioration of the building. Lancaster Footlights became a registered charity (number 509425) in 1972 and launched the first of four covenant-based fundraising schemes which raised more than £667,000. These schemes provided funding for specific projects designed to restore and improve the theatre.

    Today, as a result of a continual restoration drive, the theatre is in the best condition it has been since the rebuild in 1908 and now operates as one of the key north west venues for amateur drama, music and dance and professional touring companies.

    Upcoming events at Lancaster Grand Theatre

    Lost in Music

    One Night At The Disco

    Lancaster Grand Theatre

    7 Mar 2025

    Get ready to get Lost In Music! The show that everyone is talking about, now...

    Magic Of Motown

    2024 tour

    Lancaster Grand Theatre

    31 Oct 2024

    Magic of Motown

    90’s Live

    There will be no valley too deep, no mountain too high, so come on Barbie let’s go party and join us for 90s Live.

    Lancaster Grand Theatre

    30 Mar 2024

    It’s time for 90s Live!Get ready as we spice up your life, taking you back...

    What’s love got to do with it

    A Tribute to Tina Turner

    Lancaster Grand Theatre

    26 Jul 2024

    The exciting live show celebrating the music of Tina Turner is getting back on the road with a huge tour across the UK.

    80’s Live

    Get ready as we bring you the biggest 80s party show to tour the UK!

    Lancaster Grand Theatre

    31 Aug 2024

    The ultimate 80s night out, so come dressed to impress as we spin you around and around for a night to remember. Blending pop and soft rock, the show includes hits such as Girls just Wanna have fun, Edge of Heaven, Tainted Love, Love Shack, Living on a Prayer, The Final Countdown, Don’t You Want Me Baby, Relax, Never Gonna Give You Up, It’s Raining Men, Rio and the list goes on.
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