Ticket sales are booming in anticipation – and now the curtain is ready to rise on a brand new era at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre.

A major refurbishment is now all but complete as the historic venue gets ready to host the city’s university graduation ceremonies which begin on Monday.

The Grand has been closed all summer while the work, which is the biggest makeover since 1998, has been carried out to give it a bright, fresh new look.

And theatre-goers are brimming with excitement in anticipation of the venue’s new look, with bosses today revealing ticket sales throughout the summer months have increased on last year.

Read the full story in the Express & StarTicket sales are booming in anticipation – and now the curtain is ready to rise on a brand new era at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre.

A major refurbishment is now all but complete as the historic venue gets ready to host the city’s university graduation ceremonies which begin on Monday.

The Grand has been closed all summer while the work, which is the biggest makeover since 1998, has been carried out to give it a bright, fresh new look.

And theatre-goers are brimming with excitement in anticipation of the venue’s new look, with bosses today revealing ticket sales throughout the summer months have increased on last year.The grand opening will take place on September 12 with more than 700 tickets sold for a Neil Diamond tribute show called Real Diamond.

Around 1,200 red seats have now been recovered, with many enjoying extra leg room. Since closing on June 30, all the seats at the theatre have been ripped out and the carpet removed.

Other improvements have seen the ceiling repainted and wheelchair access improved while the front kiosk has been replaced with a larger counter selling sweets and merchandise and the box office has been revamped.

Marketing manager Iain Watkins said: “Basically the refurbishment is complete now. This week we are doing all the tidying up and the finishing touches.

“Everything has got a fresh look about it, it has got a good reaction from staff but we won’t get audience feedback until we are up and running.

“From Monday until September 11 we will be hosting the graduation ceremonies for the University of Wolverhampton and our first show will be on September 12. Everyone is very excited about the reopening.” Theatre fans will also be able to get a behind the scenes glimpse of the new look at an open day being held on September 15.

Between 11am and 4pm visitors will be able to take to the stage as well as the wings of the auditorium and take part in some specially organised activities. A £1.50 ticket charge can be redeemed against tickets for future performances. Call 01902 429212 for further details.

By Helen Cartwright