'Time to bow out' - Basil Newby posts heartfelt message as he retires following Blackpool's Funny Girls sale

Lancashire’s legendary entrepreneur Basil Newby, posted a heartfelt message to social media this morning (Saturday, May 16) as he retires following the sale of Blackpool’s iconic Funny Girls drag show venue.

With the sale now complete, Basil Newby has finally relinquished all ties with the venue after 40 years.

He said: “Well my amazing friends and all those wonderful people that have supported and I have loved over the last 47 years, its time for me to gracefully bow out and have some Baz time and retire.

“It’s the end of an era but been a fantastic life and journey. I have been privileged to share with you all.

“Some times were diamonds and some were stone but im still here.”

The iconic venue, which was marketed at £3.5m by Christie and Co will now be run by new owner Kane Oliver marking the end of an era for one of the town’s most famous entertainment spots.

Reflecting on how it all got started Basil said: “1979 myself with the help of Ian, Sammy, my best friends Phil Brierley, Irene Mcgarvie, Adrian Thornton and Adrian Gammon we transformed a ladies of the night club called the Flamingo into the most well known gay club in the UK. It was never to be matched or replaced.

“From then on the gay scene in Blackpool became Las Vagas on heat and allowed me to open more clubs and bars.

“1994 a star was born, we called it Funny Girls.

“The unbelievable Betty Legs Diamonds, Zoe, Celia Walsh and not forgetting Dolly made it the most famous venue of its time.

“I can’t thank everyone by name who worked for me over the years but thank you so much.

“The customers that have supported me I thank from the bottom of my heart.

“There isn’t a lot more I can say as you can imagine it’s a very emotional time for me but I had my dream. On to more exciting things.

“As many of you know, Funny Girls has been through a sales process for some time and today I’m delighted to say the sale has officially completed.

“After 47 years its the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new chapter for Funny Girls.”

The sale, which has been under contract since January saw the Newby’s company while the venue continues under new management.

Speaking about the new owner, Mr Newby, 75, said: “I honestly could not be happier about who I am passing the baton onto.

“I want to wish the new owner Kane Oliver every success in the world as he takes Funny Girls in to its next era along side the fantastic new General Manager Jack Bland.

“From the very first conversations, I knew their passion, ambition and genuine love for entertainment and hospitality matches exactly what Funny Girls is about.

“They understand the place is just not a business or a venue-its a family, a community, and for many people a lifetime of memories.

“I am thrilled that Funny Girls royalty herself our host Miss Carmen, will be joining the new leadership team too.

“If anyone embodies the spirit, humour and magic of Funny Girls its DJ Carmen. The future is in brilliant hands and what a future it is.

“The whole team is bursting with excitment for what comes next beginning with a HUGE bang on May 29 as the summer show is launched.

“Trust me you are going to want to see this one.”

Back in July last year, Newby first announced his plans to step back from running the venue, saying he was ready to spend more time on personal projects, including writing a book.

Funny Girls, famed for its dazzling drag performances and art deco glamour, opened in 1994 and quickly became a landmark attraction, drawing audiences from across the UK and beyond.

Mr Newby was awarded an MBE in the 2014 New Year’s Honours List for services to business and to the LGBT+ community.

His influence on the resort’s nightlife over more than four decades earned him the affectionate local nickname “Basilpool.”

Basil said: “When I first opened Funny Girls I could never imagine the incredible journey it would become.

“All the stars that have visited. The Royal Variety Performances. My MBE, I’m so proud but the magic is Funny Girls. She is the star!

“I know Kane, Jack and Carmen and the whole team will make sure your evenings will be full of joy, laughter and love.

“As for me, don’t worry I’m not going that easily. I will always be popping in for a diet Pepsi on the rocks even if I’m on a zimmer frame.

“I’m so excited about the summer show, I’ll still be in Basil’s box for my chats.

“Already these guys have told me their plans and the place is going to go from strength to strength. I am so pleased and cant wait.

“I had a dream and you all made it happen, thank you and all my love.”