FEATURE | A 'Grand' Unveiling for Wolverhampton's Premiere Theatre!

A ' G R A N D ' U N V E I L I N G

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WOLVERHAMPTON'S PREMIERE THEATRE VENUE

PRESENTS IT'S STUNNING NEW LOOK!

THEATRE | Kyle Pedley

Sumptous 1920's art deco decadance, glitz and glam were top of the agenda in Wolverhampton this evening as press, media and friends assembled for an exciting unveiling of the Grand Theatre's stunning refurbishment.

It’s hard to comprehend that such a radical and extravagant overhaul of practically the entirety of the venue’s front-of-house (across all three floors) has been completed in just the six weeks since the Grand closed it’s doors on Sunday 24th July. But that is precisely what has happened, and the result is an almost unrecognisable rejuvenation to Wolverhampton’s premiere theatre venue.

From a classy, all-new foyer bar immediately upon arrival, to the walled mirrors, sheet music wallpaper and three-man band of the new ‘Encore Lounge’ (along with a personal favourite - framed famous quotes from a myriad of theatrical productions), through to the glorious art deco stylings of the brand new ‘Arthur’s of the Grand’ with its ready-to-hire VIP booths and exquisite finishings, every inch of the refurbishment drips with character, sophistication and a prestige feel.

The Grand has long been Wolverhampton's premiere Theatre venue, with a superb programme

that boasts the very finest and latest in musicals, opera, dance, drama and live entertainment.

In the auditorium itself, the entirety of the 1,200 seats have been ripped out and replaced with all new (and notably comfier) seating, and they are all adorned with a special bronze plaque which are available to sponsor. On the Dress and Grand Circles, two new luxury suites branch off from the main walkway and are equally intricate in their rebranding and modelling. First is the ‘Utopia Suite’, featuring a bottle bar and is available to be reserved for groups or parties, whilst being named after the first ever performance at the theatre way back in December 1984 - Utopia Limited by the Doyly Carte Opera Company. Upstairs, the ‘Spotlight Lounge’ serves as a stylish boardroom and space available for business hire.

It’s a consummately impressive overhaul for the Grand, and so much more than just a rudimentary facelift - British cutlery designers and manufacturers Arthur Price, seating manufacturers Audience Systems and interior designer Grant Bushell of Urban Britannia Interiors have all been key sponsors and architects in the transformation.

Adrian Jackson, Chief Executive of the theatre, said; “Enhancing the Theatre in this way will greatly improve the customer experience and will ensure the Grand not only continues as a celebrated Theatre venue but also becomes a popular daytime and early evening destination for socialising and intimate performance within the heart of the city centre. Staff have been given the opportunity to contribute to the design and it’s been a great team effort pulling everything together.”

The sumptuous Art Deco stylings of 'Arthur's at the Grand' on the Dress Circle - featuring

VIP Booths and the 'Utopia Suite', both of which can be privately hired.

City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor John Reynolds, adds: ‘The Grant Theatre is one of the city’s treasures and these improvements have been carried out sympathetically to show it off at its best. There is huge potential for attracting new audiences to Wolverhampton from across the West Midlands to live events and music, festivals, the arts, culture and night life. The improvement facilities at the theatre will help this and lead to the creation of more jobs in the local economy.”

As someone who has visited the venue for more than 20 years, it is a thrill to see it receive such an unprecedented and stunning new lease of life. Always a go-to destination within not just Wolverhampton but the Midlands as a whole, this gorgeous, modern yet distinctive new look brings the heart, quality and prestige that the Grand has always offered in it’s programme to it’s frontage and customer experience in gloriously opulent style.

The Wolverhampton Grand celebrates it's refurbishment and reopening on Saturday 10 September with A Spectacular Gala Night at the Grand, hosted by Angela Rippon.

Before then though, enjoy two exclusive galleries of some of our photos and snaps taken from tonight's launch:

For more information on the Wolverhampton Grand and it's programme, visit the official website HERE.

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