Theatre set to stage in-house production despite budget cuts

Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre has said it was forced to change its business model just to continue catering for its audiences, which are at an 'all-time high'.

It comes as the Lichfield Street venue announced it is set to host its first in-house production in 40 years, which follows its £1.2million refurbishment unveiled last September.

Grand Theatre chief executive and artist director Adrian Jackson said the theatre was only able to secure its long-term funding by changing the way it runs.

He said: “We have made changes to our business model during the last year or so which now clearly demonstrates that the Grand Theatre can survive and thrive without the need for regular public funding.

"Wolverhampton Grand Theatre audiences are at an all-time high and we couldn’t be more proud to see our very own production taking shape and heading to the stage."

The theatre claims it is set to loose its funding by next April after the latest round of cuts from Wolverhampton City Council will leave it without any regular cash support.

But staff at the theatre have united in the face of the devastating news, vowing to move forward by launching show Brassed Off in four weeks time.

Bosses at the Grand Theatre said they will bring the full-scale production to the stage from Wednesday, August 23 until Saturday, September 2.

The City of Wolverhampton Brass Band will also play live on stage during the show, which will be directed by former Hull Truck Theatre artistic director Gareth Tudor-Price.

The theatre also revealed more than 3,400 people got involved with its Creative Learning programme in 2016, with more than 4,100 reached by the project between January and March this year.

Its programme provides opportunities for schools and the community to be inspired by the magic of theatre by offering tours, workshops and projects.

Tickets for Brassed Off, which are £15.50, can be purchased from the Box Office, by calling 01902 429 212 or at grandtheatre.co.uk