"IT'S a dream come true!" Blackpool's very own Grand Theatre - already one of the nation's most beautiful Victorian theatres - is set to become the home of the UK variety performance scene when it becomes the National Theatre of Variety in 2006.

The title means the much-loved Church Street theatre will work with actor's union, Equity, to establish national a centre of excellence for variety which will include training in variety arts, a conference programme, a festival for the best in popular entertainment and a variety archive.

It follows "an exhaustive process" by Equity officials to find a suitable theatre, in a location accessible to visitors and performers from all over the UK, Europe and further afield.

The Grand - which was built by legendary theatre architect, Frank Matcham in 1894 - was eventually chosen because of it's unique design in addition to Blackpool's reputation as one of the UK's favourite entertainment centres.

Newly appointed Grand Theatre manager - Paul Iles - will now meet with Equity leaders to decide a joint policy for the National Theatre of Variety, as well as setting a programme of events to be up-and-running in time for the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Variety Artistes' Federation (VAF).

Blackpool Grand Theatre Trust chairman, David Coupe said: "We are delighted that Blackpool's unique contribution to the world of variety has been recognised in this way.

"The Grand Theatre has a long history of promoting glamorous variety stars; the recent refurbishment of this Frank Matcham Grade II Star listed theatre offers the ideal setting for delivering the National Theatre of Variety."

Equity's Theatre and Variety spokeswoman, Christine Payne said: "Variety theatre has played a key part in British entertainment since evolving from nineteenth-century music hall.

"Despite its recent encore as 'New Variety', there is no national centre to showcase and celebrate this inclusive art form. We hope that this joint venture will put that right."

"During the past few years, Equity has had discussions with artists, theatre managers and funding bodies. After an exhaustive process we have invited The Grand Theatre, Blackpool to join us in this exciting project.

"The National Theatres of Variety should be very attractive to Arts Council England, business sponsors and other stakeholders."

Veteran variety entertainer and Equity member, Roy Hudd said: "Variety was one of the great inventions, inspirations and innovations of twentieth-century theatre.

"The entertainment of the people shone in the resort of Blackpool above all other towns and still the best comedians, singers, ventriloquists, dancers, instrumentalists and circus artists are seen at The Grand Theatre, the Pleasure Beach and the Winter Gardens.

"Variety is enjoyed today and will be treasured for years to come through the National Theatre of Variety. "It is a dream come true."