Barbara Windsor, Nigel Havers and Lenny Henry are among celebrities who have contributed their memories of Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre as part of a £43,000 history project.

Nearly 140 staff and members of the audience have also been interviewed about their recollections of the Grand Theatre going back decades.

The material has been collected in a book, on film and on-line for the opening night.

Grand Memories will be launched at the Lichfield Street theatre on September 1.

A permanent heritage display will also be created in the foyer.

Project manager Louise Bent was inundated by people with heritage material to donate and stories to share. She described the response as “phenomenal”.

Memory sessions were set up at the theatre as part of the year-long scheme, which was funded by the Heritage Lottery.

Material from more than 100 completed questionnaires was also used.

Contributors aged from nine to 100 took part with the oldest recollection dating back to the Grand’s Opening Night in 1894, when the D’Oyly Carte Opera performed.

They have been invited to attend the launch which will mark the publication of the book. Louise, the Grand’s education officer, said she first thought of the idea in 2004 but had to gauge enthusiasm for the project.

“The Grand is such a beautiful and historical building that has played a part in the lives of so many people I wanted to find a way of celebrating it,” she said.

“Thanks to the people who have donated artefacts and memories, we now have a commemorative book and DVD with memories dating back to the Grand’s opening night more than a century ago.

“I’m so delighted and thankful for everyone’s support and donations over the last 12 months. We have created something that will forever document the memories of this wonderful theatre.”

To buy a copy of the Grand Memories book with free DVD, contact the theatre reception on 01902 573320.