The Opera House Theatre in Blackpool opened in 1889 as part of the Winter Gardens complex. The current building, designed by Charles MacKeith, replaced the original structure in 1939. With a seating capacity of 2,920, it’s one of the largest theatres in the United Kingdom.

Throughout its history, the Opera House has hosted numerous famous performers and productions. However, it’s also gained notoriety for its reported paranormal activity. Staff and visitors have recounted various ghostly encounters over the years.

One of the most frequently reported apparitions is that of a well-dressed man in a top hat and tails, often seen in the theatre’s upper circle. Some believe this to be the ghost of a former manager or patron from the theatre’s early days.

Another common sighting is of a young woman in Victorian-era clothing, who appears in the backstage areas and dressing rooms. Witnesses describe her as looking lost or confused before vanishing.

Unexplained cold spots, disembodied voices, and the sound of phantom applause have been reported when the theatre is empty. Some staff members have experienced objects moving on their own, particularly in the backstage areas and lighting booth.

During World War II, the Winter Gardens complex, including the Opera House, was used as an RAF training facility. Some attribute certain paranormal occurrences to servicemen who may have lost their lives during this period.

The theatre’s grand circle is said to be a paranormal hotspot, with multiple reports of a ghostly usher who appears to guide patrons to their seats before disappearing. Some visitors have also reported feeling an unseen presence or being touched when no one is nearby.