1980 - Present day

Seating in the Upper Circle was redesigned, now with an overall capacity of 1200, and the existing seats were stripped and rebuilt, an induction loop was installed for the hard of hearing and ventilation systems were completely renewed. The Dress Circle was given a much more spacious area for patrons to wait before entering the auditorium; while in the foyer new glass doors helped open the theatre to the public outside.

In 1982 when the Grand re-opened it was one of the best-equipped theatres in the country. During the next ten years or so the Grand enjoyed many successes attracting the best touring companies and the theatre enjoyed by a loyal and supportive audience.

On December 10th 1994, the Grand celebrated its 100th Birthday with a gala performance from the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company. It was exactly 100 years to the day since the company had opened the Grand Theatre!

The theatre's centenary offered a new incentive to ensure the long-term viability of the theatre was secured. To this end feasibility studies were carried out to look out how the theatre could be improved to meet the ever-increasing expectations of modern theatregoers.

The country's leading theatre architects RHWL were appointed with a brief to continue the achievements of the earlier renovation. Their task was to improve access and circulation, to install lifts and air conditioning, to update the theatre's facilities and redecorate the theatre to enhance the beautiful style and features created by Phipps.With a successful application to the National Lottery through the Arts Council of England and partnership funding from the European Regional Development fund, the £8 million refurbishment of the Grand Theatre began in 1998.

And so with all this history already behind it and one of the UK's most popular theatres, the Grand Theatre looks forward to entertaining the Midlands in a new millennium and an exciting new chapter in its history.

Author: Joseph Hocking