Our Story

The Funny Girls have been delighting audiences with their witty, colourful drag show since 1994. They are a Blackpool icon, recognised across the country for their talent and professionalism - but, more importantly, for being the best night out in the North West!

1994

The Founding Father

Basil Newby MBE opened Funny Girls in a corner shop on Blackpool’s Queen Street in 1994 and it was an instant success.

1994

2002

A Place to Call Home

The 1939 Odeon is a Grade II listed building on Dickson Road with many original features now rare elsewhere. It was acquired by In the Pink Leisure who converted the former stalls area at a cost of over £2M to create the world famous Funny Girls Showbar, repairing and restoring many of the original art-deco features. Funny Girls was opened by the Queen of Hollywood, Joan Collins, in July 2002.

2002

2005

A Right Royal Performance

On Monday 12th November 2005, Funny Girls put on an outstanding show at the Royal Variety Performance with ‘Swine Lake’ in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Funny Girls were joined on stage by Andrew Portasio from the English National Ballet and this hilarious one-night-only performance was unforgettable.

2005

2013

Well Documented

Sean Smith, photographer and film-maker, took a step behind the Funny Girls curtain as Christmas show rehearsals took place to create a documentary for The Guardian. Sean met with the Funny Girls cast and choreographer to show the world the graft that goes into making each and every show a night to remember.

2013

2019

25 Years and Counting

In July 2019, Funny Girls turned 25-years-old. With the likes of DJ Zoe and Betty Legs Diamond still gracing audiences night after night, this unforgettable cabaret show is here to stay.