My Space: The Blackpool Tower

Enter this iconic building to hear stories from those whose lives have been changed here. A place of architectural and cultural significance defining this Northwest seaside town. A magnificent Victorian engineering masterpiece. Blackpool Tower is one of Britain’s best-known landmarks - 158 metres tall and inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, when it was opened in 1894 it was one of the tallest freestanding towers in the world. The Tower is in fact an entertainment complex comprising The Tower, Tower Circus, the Tower Ballroom, and Roof Gardens. Recorded in ambisonic audio, listeners will be immersed in the sound and fabric of this building, moving from place to place with those whose stories unfold. Karl Bartoni, born and bred in Blackpool, remembers seeing the tower for the first time when he was three years old. In the summer of 1983, he became the first (and last) person to dangle from the top of the tower attempting to escape from a straight- jacket. Former trapeze artist Laci Endresz Senior and his family have been in charge of the Tower Circus for over 30 years across six generations of circus performers. As a ‘flyer’, Laci once broke 17 bones during a stunt. We hear from a former delivery driver Chris Hopkins who taught himself how to play the Wurlitzer organ and landed his first gig playing at Blackpool Tower Ballroom. He now plays weekly to those who flock here to dance in the splendour of the Tower Ballroom. The gold, majestic ballroom designed by Frank Matcham, one of the most significant theatre architects of the 19th century, is where families have danced for generations. Marilyn remembers her parents dancing at the Tower in the 1930s and every time she steps inside the ballroom, she says it feels like home. Other contributions from Professor Vanessa Toulmin – University of Sheffield. And artist Lisa Wigham Devised and produced by Sara Conkey, Perminder Khatkar, Helen Lennard and Melvin Rickarby Executive Producer: Rosie Boulton A Must Try Softer production for BBC Radio 4