Work began on the first of Blackpool’s three piers, the North Pier, in 1862. It was opened on 21st May 1863, witnessed by around 20,000 visitors to the resort. A landing jetty was added to the main structure in 1864 and three years later the pier was extended further. Two pleasure steamers offered excursions to the Lake District, Isle of Man, Llandudno, Southport and Liverpool.

In 1874 the pier head was enlarged to accommodate the pavilion, a bandstand, restaurant and shops, and in 1875 and 1877 extended yet again with the installation of electric lighting. The Theatre was added in 1903, however it, along with the pavilion were destroyed. The current 1500 seat theatre, built on the site in 1939, survives only through the quick reactions of one of its entertainers. In 1985 singer Vince Hill noticed smoke when leaving the North Pier and, having raised the alarm, assisted in fighting the blaze.

Grade II listed, the North Pier is considered the most traditional of the three Blackpool piers, retaining much of its Victorian splendour and is devoted to the gentler pursuits of promenading and sun bathing rather than the brasher entertainment offered by its newer companions.

Explore with us the interior of North Pier Theatre to see what really goes on when the cast and audience leave, the lights switched off and the doors locked! Visit the haunted dressing room, learn of the Victorian lady, sit in the haunted seat in the theatre's auditorium and investigate the spooky storeroom.