Bringing Blackpool’s Dream to Life
The team behind a new cultural venture in Blackpool had a bold vision: to create a museum that would celebrate entertainment and put the town back on the map as a cultural destination. But when they approached us, it was just a pipedream—no name, no brand, and no clear value proposition. What they had were a lot of different ideas and one big challenge: how to unify these visions into a single, compelling story that could win over investors and excite future visitors.
Finding Common Ground in a Sea of Ideas
Blackpool, with its lively reputation, presented a unique challenge. The town is known for its sensory overload—bright lights, loud attractions, and a relentless energy that’s miles away from the traditional, quiet museum experience. Our task was to find commonality among the differing visions within the client team and craft a cohesive brand story. We needed a proposition that would resonate with everyone and capture the essence of both Blackpool and the museum, making it a must-see destination.
Shining a New Light on Blackpool
Blackpool’s reputation had taken a hit over the years, and the council saw this museum as a way to change perceptions and reconnect with locals who felt overlooked. The museum wasn’t just about entertainment; it was about rebranding Blackpool itself. We had to create a story of entertainment that was as vibrant and dynamic as the town’s famous illuminations, making the museum an attraction as iconic as the Tower, Pier, and beach.
Entertainment with Depth and Dimension
This museum wasn’t about celebrating the glitzy, surface-level aspects of entertainment. Our partners wanted to go deeper, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at showbusiness. The aim was to make people feel like they were part of the action, standing in the spotlight themselves. We knew we needed to create a brand that didn’t just document history but brought it to life in all its weird and wonderful glory.
Showtown: A National Celebration of Fun
Instead of focusing solely on Blackpool’s history, we decided to celebrate the broader world of entertainment and its impact on the town. The result was Showtown - a museum that wasn’t just about Blackpool, but a national celebration of fun as an art form. We embraced the idea of “Curated Chaos” as the museum’s brand, reflecting the vibrant, sensory-rich experience visitors could expect. Showtown is not just a museum; it’s an experience that captures the heart of entertainment and Blackpool’s unique role in it.
A New Chapter in Blackpool’s Story
In a future where cultural venues must offer more than just static displays, Showtown stands out by offering an immersive, engaging experience that mirrors the evolving relationship between people and entertainment. By focusing on the human stories behind the glitz, we’ve created a brand that not only attracts visitors but also redefines what a museum can be in the 21st century. Showtown isn’t just another attraction - it’s a movement, a place where history meets the present, and where Blackpool’s story continues to unfold in the most entertaining way possible.
