Occupation Businesswoman Name Amanda Thompson | Role Businessperson Parents Geoffrey Thompson | |
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Full Name Amanda Jean Thompson Spouse(s) Steve Thompson (2004-present) Grandparents Doris Thompson, Leonard Thompson People also search for Geoffrey Thompson, Doris Thompson, Leonard Thompson | ||
Amanda Jean Thompson OBE is a British businessperson who is the managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, president of Stageworks Worldwide Productions, director of Big Blue Hotel and director of the Grand Theatre, Blackpool. She rose to the position of managing director in 2004 after the death of her father, Geoffrey Thompson. She was also managing director of Pleasureland Southport from 2004 until its closure in 2006.
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Career highlights
She went to a private school in Oxford, then worked for Disney before producing her first ice show in 1982.
Thompson was appointed managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach in 2004, following the death of her father and grandmother. During her tenure, she has rejuvenated the park, breathing new life into previously neglected areas. Her brother, Nicholas Thompson became the deputy managing director.
Since 2004, Thompson has removed numerous attractions from the park's lineup in an attempt to make the company profitable. In 2006, under Thompson's leadership, Pleasureland Southport was closed down due to a lack of return on investment. The Pleasure Beach also removed two rides the same season, the Log Flume and Spin Doctor. The Traumatizer ride was relocated from Pleasureland to Pleasure Beach for the 2007 season, replacing the Log Flume.
In 2009, she introduced a new area, Bean Street FY4, to Pleasure Beach. The area houses catering outlets, bars and the £750,000 Spectacular Dancing Water Show.
Thompson has attempted to extend the season, increasing profits, by introducing ice skating at the Arena, Adventure Golf outside the park in 2009 and a Christmas-themed event at Nickelodeon Land in December each year. She also produces the park's show, Hot Ice, which runs over the summer season each year.
Personal life
Amanda Thompson was born in London and was brought up in the world of entertainment.
She was awarded an OBE in the 2012 New Year Honours.