Please don't change anything, Blackpool's Funny Girls it is perfect as it is, plea to new owners
’Please don’t change anythng, It’s perfect as it is’ - that was the plea from fans of Blackpool’s iconic Funny Girls as the owner confirmed it had been sold.
Blackpool’s legendary Funny Girls, run by Basil Newby for 40 years has been sold, he confirmed today.
Shpwbiz stalwart Mr Newby MBE, 75, said: “I’ve known it was my time to retire and these are the right people to carry on legacy of Funny Girls.”
He is stepping away after 40 years of running the beloved drag show venue.
Mr. Newby has spent time looking for the perfect owner and today he confrimed the sale had been agreed.
However, the new owners are not yet confirmed.
The iconic venue will now be run by an undisclosed new company marking the end of an era for one of the town’s most famous entertainment spots.
For many, Funny Girls is more than bricks and mortar. Fans shared memories of hen parties, first nights out, unforgettable performances and the sense of freedom the venue offered.
Sharon Gregory said: “End of an era. I hope the new buyers are going to keep up the Funny Girls tradition and treat it as an ongoing business.”
Kelly Louise Richards, said: “It's been my favourite night out ever since I first discovered it. I hope the new owners keep it going as is! Happy retirement Basil.”
At the heart of many messages was Basil Newby MBE, the man synonymous with Funny Girls.
Sandra Bell, said: “Basil, you have made so many wonderful memories for so many people with your Extravaganza of exceptional shows, they have been amazing - thank you for the joy.
“It’s been a pleasure - time now for yourself to make some unforgettable memories, make them happen life is too short. I wish you, love, health & happiness.”
Margaret Atherton, said: “Oh please don't change anything. It is perfect as it is”.
Tributes poured in thanking him for decades of “exceptional shows”, for promoting diversity and acceptance and for creating memories that span generations.
“You have made so many wonderful memories for so many people,” one post read, while others wished him a happy and well-earned retirement.
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.
What happens next remains unclear but, if the reaction is anything to go by, Blackpool will be watching closely, hoping that the lights, the laughter and the legacy live on.