THE CURTAIN will finally be lifted on Blackpool Grand Theatre's £million renovation scheme.

Troops of professionals have been painstakingly removing years of grime from the ceiling and balcony fronts of the famous theatre for a full twelve months after test cleanings uncovered the stunning original detail hidden underneath.

A steel platform was constructed in the roof to house the works while normal theatre life continued.

And specialist cleaners carefully tested material and methods to restore the Grand to its former glory without damage.

Thick coats of varnish have been carefully chipped away, paintwork and gilding has been cleaned and dark brown overpaint has been altered to light cream.

Project manager and Grand Theatre deputy manager Neil Thomson said: "The restoration of the Grand Theatre's beautiful interior is the icing on the cake. We have already finished extensive exterior work to make the theatre watertight. The building was originally listed because of its interior and we are absolutely delighted we have been able to restore it to its former glory. Funding for the current mammoth task flooded in from many caring contributors including £239,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £70,000 from the Friends Of The Grand. And more than £225,000 came from the public after the Glorious Grand Appeal was launched in 2001.

And to celebrate the restoration work Carl Rosa Opera will be performing in A Gala Evening Celebration with its new production of The Mikado tomorrow night at 7.30pm with two further performances on Saturday (January 19) at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Former Grand Theatre general manager Stephanie Sirr said: "Carl Rosa Opera company is the oldest in the world. As they performed here just weeks after the theatre was opened in 1894 it made sense for us to ask them to return to celebrate the Grand's renaissance."

Tickets are priced from £10 to £35. To book call the box office now on (01253) 290190.