Drag Cabaret show bar Funny Girls is up for sale

Internationally acclaimed drag cabaret show bar Funny Girls in Blackpool has been put on the market with specialist business property adviser Christie and Co.

The venue is renowned for its drag and burlesque cabaret bar, and offers spectacular live entertainment, comedy, music, and dance performances.

Set within the historic Grade II-listed Odeon Cinema building, the venue features a plush Art Deco interior, VIP seating, a stylish restaurant named Garbos, and a vibrant show bar.

Over the years, Funny Girls has attracted a host of celebrities, including Joan Collins, RuPaul, and the Pet Shop Boys, and has made appearances on major platforms like BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and the Royal Variety Performance.

Founder and owner of Funny Girls, Basil Newby MBE, has announced his retirement from running the legendary entertainment venue, creating an opportunity for a new owner to take the reins.

Blackpool was affectionately called “Basilpool” due to his outstanding contribution to its flamboyant and thriving night-time economy, as an entrepreneur, innovator, and original pioneer of Blackpool’s gay entertainment scene.

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

Basil said: “It’s an incredibly emotional moment for me to take the decision to retire now, having bought my one and only beloved Flamingo in 1979 and then opened Funny Girls 31 years ago.

"Next year, I will be 75, and after a lot of soul-searching and many sleepless nights, I know now is the time for me to bow out gracefully and retire.

“Close members of my family have health problems, and I need to spend more quality time with them - so it really is the right decision for me.

"Ian, my partner through it all for over 40 years and a massive part of the whole empire, wants time to enjoy the animals and travel, just like myself.

“Because of this, I’ve decided I need some 'Baz time' after all these years of dedicating myself to the venues. I want to see the Redwood Forests in California, the Northern Lights, and many more things before I’m too old.

"So, as of this Wednesday, the business will be up for sale, to give someone else the chance to love it and achieve what I have over the last 46 years.

“Dean Bennett, who is not only the hub of Funny Girls but also a close friend, is amazing at running the Funny Girls empire. Along with all the talented cast and crew, DJ Carmen, the management team of Chi-Chi Sharpe and Martin Rennie, I have full confidence that they will take it to a different level moving forward.

“Nothing will change imminently - it’s business as usual.

"It could be three months or even three years before the right person comes along, someone I feel I can trust to take it over that rainbow I dreamed of so many years ago.

“Thank you so much to all the team, cast, and crew at Funny Girls for all your hard work and the joy you’ve given me over the years. I want to thank everyone in Blackpool for their loyal support over the years, and the audiences who’ve travelled to the resort and helped make Funny Girls one of the most visited destinations and attractions in Blackpool.

“I have chosen Christie & Co to oversee the sale because of their specialist skills in recognising rare opportunities like this, and their respect for Funny Girls’ unique position as a major tourist attraction in Blackpool.

"Christie & Co will carefully consider Funny Girls’ unique history and entertainment industry role to find a business investor who is equally passionate and caring.”

James Dodd, business agent at Christie & Co, added: “We’re proud to be working with Basil Newby on the sale of Funny Girls.

"This presents an exceptional opportunity for a new owner to take over a prestigious and iconic venue in the heart of Blackpool’s thriving entertainment scene.

"The venue operates year-round and offers immense potential for further growth, including themed movie nights, special events, and high-profile performances. Its established reputation, loyal customer base, and strong digital presence make it a standout investment in one of the UK’s busiest tourist destinations.”

Offers are invited for the property. Interested parties should contact Christie & Co directly for more information about the opportunity via this webpage: https://www.christie.com/5652093/