The show must go on! customers and Theatre Club help restore Swansea Grand Theatre

Thanks to the support of customers and the Theatre Club, Swansea Grand Theatre has been able to carry out some much needed refurbishment in the auditorium.

The main stage curtains and pelmet have been replaced, along with the curtains in the boxes on either side of the stage and the sound booth at the back of the stalls.

The work is being carried out by J&C Joel and is being funded by the theatre’s Restoration Fund and a generous contribution from the Theatre Club’s committee.

After 49 years of supporting the Grand, the Theatre Club was disbanded in 2019.

Ex-chairperson Lindsay Sleeman of the club is extremely grateful for their efforts over that time and for this, their last donation.
“Up until 2018, the Theatre Club had been in existence for 49 years. During this time they have
raised thousands of pounds to support improvements within the theatre, including funding
towards the new auditorium furnishings, and historically, £10,000 for the purchase of the
magnificent chandelier which hangs in the auditorium.
“As a Theatre Club that was totally passionate about the theatre, we were delighted that we
were able to play a role in successfully fundraising in order to enable the theatre to make
purchases that wouldn’t otherwise have been possible.”

Kevin Johns, one of Swansea’s most loved loved personalities is passionate about the theatre which he feels is one of the ‘diamonds in the Swansea crown’.

The Swansea City club chaplain and matchday announcer is back at the Grand for his regular stint as the pantomime dame, a role which he has excelled in since the turn of the century.

The winter production of Cinderella is going to be his 23rd in the home of Swansea theatre and he is excited to see the upgrades ready for the new season.

“It is great to see the Grand getting some love and care. The new stage is beautiful and the exterior is looking great.

“It is with doubt the Grand is the most beautiful theatre in the country. I’m so excited about this year’s panto.

Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights and Equalities, added,
“Swansea Grand Theatre is such an iconic part of the city’s culture and it’s fantastic to see
improvements like this being supported by its visitors through the Restoration Fund. The
new furnishings really add to its grandeur and Victorian charm.”

Other work that is currently being undertaken includes a new look corridor between the two Grand Circle entrances, and a face lift for the front of the theatre, so all will be looking clean and shiny very soon.

The theatre is also in talks with a seating expert to increase accessibility within the auditorium and make our customers’ experience more comfortable. This will be a longer term project and it is hoped will be completed in the next few years.

To book tickets for the pantomime and any of the productions at the Grand click here

[Lead image: Swansea Council]