Dear Supporters and Art-by-Jen Enthusiasts,

I’m thrilled to share an exciting update on Backstage In Blackpool, which I created to showcase a different side of my figurative painting.

Backstage in Blackpool is a powerful new collection that captures the intimate, emotional, and often unseen moments behind the curtain of Blackpool’s legendary entertainment venues.

Thanks to the incredible generosity and openness of the performers and venues, I had the privilege of rare backstage access at some of Blackpool’s most iconic show spaces. These visits gave me an extraordinary insight into the transformation of entertainers – dancers, singers, drag artists, magicians, musicians, circus acts, and comedians – as they prepare to step into the spotlight.

I’ve documented these moments of anticipation, vulnerability, and camaraderie through photographs, which are now being translated into sketches and paintings for this new collection.

To catch up on the journey from the beginning to where I am now, please check out the Backstage in Blackpool video playlist HERE>>

‘Yes! I want to support this’

Venues Visited for Backstage in Blackpool

Funny Girls

This glamorous venue has been entertaining audiences with drag cabaret since 1994 and is housed in a stunning former Odeon cinema from the 1930s.
At the beginning of my visit, I photographed Adrian as he transformed into the Queen of Blackpool, DJ Zoe, while he — and eventually she — regaled me with tales from her thirty-year reign at Funny Girls. I then spent the evening tucked into the main dressing room, observing and capturing the full cast as they prepared for and performed their world-class variety drag show, with all the fun, quick changes, quiet moments, and bits of banter in between.

The Central Pier Showbar

Opened in 1868, Central Pier remains a vibrant hub of variety entertainment. Its Showbar carries on that legacy with music, comedy, and family shows.
Backstage during their Kings & Queens show, I witnessed tribute performers and dancers — impersonating icons like Elvis, Meat Loaf, and Ariana Grande — transform themselves before stepping into the spotlight. I saw the dedication of the seemingly tireless dancers and heard of each performer’s sincere admiration for these stars as they bring them to life for Blackpool holidaymakers

Viva Blackpool

Often described as ‘Vegas on the Sea’, Viva Blackpool is a modern cabaret venue known for its dazzling resident shows and tribute acts.
I documented the backstage preparations as the talented cast including feather-adorned showgirls prepared for a Broadway and West End-style spectacle. When it came time to deliver the show, it was frantic and non-stop — but I managed to capture some of the backstage calm before the storm.

The Grand Theatre

Affectionately known as ‘Blackpool’s hidden gem’, this Grade II listed building opened
in 1894, designed by renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham. While shadowing the pantomime dames during their performance in Cinderella, I captured this lovely Blackpool couple (Jamie Morris & Tarot Joseph) as they donned their make-up and more becoming the hilariously wicked Ugly Sisters, embodying the nostalgic British tradition of pantomime.

Circus Mondao (visited during their longest annual stay in Blackpool)

With a diverse international cast, Circus Mondao remains one of the last traditional, family-run touring circuses in the UK. I spent the day backstage witnessing the dedication it takes to bring the magic of the circus to life; every member, including the children, played their part to deliver a delightful show.

The Waterloo Music Bar

Recognised as one of the UK’s best independent rock venues, The Waterloo has hosted everyone from local bands to legendary punk and metal icons.
During my visit, I spent time with Dressed to Kill — a passionate and electrifying KISS tribute band—where I captured the grit behind the glamour. From the full makeup and iconic costumes to their high-energy stage presence, it was clear this group was far more than mimicry.

Norman Barrett MBE – The Ringmaster’s Ringmaster

A special highlight of this project was visiting the home of the incredible Norman Barrett MBE — the legendary ringmaster who spent twenty-five years commanding the Blackpool Tower Circus.
With a career spanning over seventy years, he is regarded as the ultimate showman in circus tradition. He graciously donned his full ringmaster regalia for a portrait session, allowing me to shoot photos that I will use as reference to paint a stunning new portrait, which I believe will be an integral part of this collection.

The Painting Phase Is Here

Now that the fieldwork is complete, I’m deep into the painting process—translating those beautiful, raw backstage moments into finished works.

View some of the sketches and paintings so far below.

Some of the sketches to explore a character or a scene, establish mood, composition and capture the energy of the moment.

Some of the final artworks on canvas. Performer portraits and scenes from behind the scenes in Blackpool.

The Exhibition

Once the works are completed, Backstage in Blackpool will debut in an exclusive exhibition which may even tour—sharing the spirit of Blackpool’s backstage life with a wider audience.

This is where I need your help:

To bring Backstage in Blackpool to its full potential, I’m calling on the support of art lovers, patrons, and community champions.

In days gone by, an artist might have had a wealthy patron to fund the time needed to develop these works. Alas, I don’t have one (yet!) and I’m hoping you will consider becoming a Backstage in Blackpool Backer.

Become a Backstage in Blackpool Backer

I’d love for you to be part of this creative journey. Together, we can build an exhibition that not only showcases the art — but also tells rich, heartfelt stories of passion, resilience, and transformation.

I’ve created a selection of reward packages including exclusive goodies and original Jen Allen artwork. As the tiers increase, so does the exclusivity: you can even secure a piece of art from the collection before it has been painted!

Your support helps me finish this journey, exhibit this work, and share these powerful stories. Thank you for believing in me and Backstage in Blackpool

Tiers for support / patrons:

£50 Tier

Availability: Unlimited (MOST POPULAR)

- Access to my Backstage in Blackpool private blog featuring regular updates, photos, videos and notes.
- First access to my regular video round ups and clips from behind the scenes.
- Your name printed in my Backstage in Blackpool souvenir exhibition brochure.
- 2 x VIP tickets to my exhibition and private view*.
- 2 x Signed, Backstage in Blackpool exhibition souvenir brochure (RRP £15)
- A signed, souvenir Backstage in Blackpool poster print of a selection of my art produced for my exhibition.

Purchase Here

Interest free payment options are available at check-out, so you can spread the cost of one of the higher tier packages below.

£250

10 available – 6 REMAINING

- All the £50 package rewards, plus…
- An ORIGINAL Backstage in Blackpool mounted sketch from my collection/exhibition (RRP £450+)

Purchase Here

£1000

5 available – 3 REMAINING

- All the £250 package rewards, plus…
- A private ONE-TO-ONE 30-minute video chat to talk about my Backstage in Blackpool exhibition plans, my work and process, the evolution of the Backstage in Blackpool project and answer any questions you might wish to ask.
- An ORIGINAL Backstage in Blackpool 20 x 20” PAINTING from my exhibition (RRP £1295). Reserved for delivery to you after they have been exhibited in galleries.

Purchase Here

£2500

2 available – 0 REMAINING SOLD OUT

- All the £250 package rewards, plus…
- A private ONE-TO-ONE 30-minute video chat to talk about my exhibition plans, my work and process, the evolution of the project and answer any questions you might wish to ask.
- An ORIGINAL Backstage in Blackpool 30 x 30” PAINTING from my exhibition (RRP £2495). Reserved for delivery to you after they have been exhibited in Galleries.

Purchase Here

£5000

1 available – 0 REMAINING SOLD OUT

All the £2500 package rewards, plus…
FIRST SELECTION of ANY of the Backstage in Blackpool featured original artworks, including up to 72 x 48” (RRP £4995). Reserved for delivery to you after they have been exhibited in Galleries. (Only ONE of these packages are available for the serious collector, which include THREE original Backstage in Blackpool paintings (1 x 20×20”, 1 x 30×30” and 1 x larger work) plus ONE original Backstage in Blackpool sketch – giving you £9000 worth of Jen Allen original art created for Backstage in Blackpool!)

Purchase Here

* VIP ticket to the Backstage in Blackpool private view, includes welcome drink, meet-and-greet with Jen for the project exhibition which will take place in Blackpool on completion of the artwork. Please note; you will be liable for travel and accommodation expenses. (See Disclaimer below.)

T&Cs – Backers must be over 18. By contributing funds in exchange for rewards you agree that your contribution is made voluntarily and at your own risk. Contributions are non-refundable, except as required by applicable law. Unless specified, all original artwork created for this project will be available to backers in the different tiers on a first come, first served basis. Artwork will not be allocated until all exhibitions have been fulfilled. By contributing, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

Disclaimer – As a creative with a project goal, I will do everything in my power to fulfil this project culminating in an exhibition. Should I not be able to host the exhibition in a suitable gallery, an alternative venue will be found, which may culminate in an online exhibition and virtual meet-and-greet. The Backstage in Blackpool exhibition will be held in Blackpool, with an aim to tour other galleries and venues if sufficient interest is shown. Backers will be kept informed throughout of my progress via email and project private blog.

For more information about Backstage in Blackpool – Please email me at jen@artbyjen.co.uk or use the form below