Wolverhampton Grand at 125: Flying the flag for coronation
The coronation of the queen in 1953 prompted a nationwide celebration on a scale previously not known to most people.
The ceremony was televised, enabling millions of people for the first time to watch it, while theatres up and down the country arranged a series of special events to commemorate the occasion.
Covent Garden Opera House staged a new opera by Benjamin Britten – Gloriana – about the life and times of the first Queen Elizabeth. Other London events ranged from a new 'royal' play by Terence Rattigan to a Crazy Gang Show.
Provincial repertory, touring and variety theatres all played their part, too, as the theatre industry, along with the whole nation, went coronation crazy.
The Grand in Wolverhampton staged This Happy Breed, a play by Noël Coward. Its title, a reference to the English people, was a phrase from John of Gaunt's monologue in Shakespeare's Richard II – all very patriotic.
At the end of the play, one of the main characters, Frank talks to his baby grandson in a long speech about what it means to be British.
As the stage hands inside prepared for the production, the outside of the theatre was also being gaily adorned, as this Express & Star picture taken in June, 1953, shows.
Rows of Union Jack flags were put up on two levels and ER II crests were displayed along the lower balustrade.
The image is reproduced here as the E&S joins with the Grand to mark the theatre’s milestone 125th anniversary.
* If you have memories or pictures, email 125@grandtheatre.co.uk or write to 125 Memories Project, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, WV1 1DE.
