How did we get here?
The Grand Theatre, under it's many names, has been a major part of the social and cultural life of Lancaster since being built in 1782.
In 1897 Frank Matcham, perhaps THE theatre architect, designed and supervised an extensive re-modelling of the stage and auditorium.
1908 saw a fire which gutted the interior of the Grand, virtually destroying Matcham's work. Phoenix-like, less than eight months later, it reopened more or less in the form you see today.
In 1950 ABC Cinemas, the thenowners decided that the Grand had no commercial future but help was at hand as in. . .
1951 the Lancaster Footlights Club bought the theatre to secure a venue for amateur drama and music in the city.
In 1959 the Footlights Club was served with a compulsory Purchase Order as part of the St Leonardsgate/Edward Street clearance for a relief road and industrial zone. This was overturned in 1960.
1978 the emergency (gas!) lighting system was found to be unsafe and the loss of the theatre licence and consequent closure loomed. Funds to install an electrical system were found b y means of small loans and fundraising events. It was, however, becoming clear that major expenditure would be needed to halt the gradual deterioration of the building.
1979 the Lancaster Footlights Club became a registered charity ad launched the first of four covenant-based fundraising schemes which have raised more than £667,000. These schemes were aimed at providing funding for specific projects designed to restore and improve theGrand for its many users.
Now in 2007, as a result of these efforts, the Grand is in probably the best condition it has been since the rebuild of 1908. It is successfully operating as a venue for amateur drama, music and dance as well as presenting a culture and genre-mixed professional programme.
The full history of the Grand theatre is available in the book|
"The Grand Theatre Lancaster : Into the Third Century"
by A.G. Betjemann
Available from Box office: 01524 64695
£7.50 + Postage and Packaging.