Speechless! Wolverhampton's own star of song and stage Beverley Knight bowled over by theatre's Grand gesture
Wolverhampton's Beverley Knight has been honoured by the theatre in her home city which helped her cut her singing teeth as a schoolgirl.
Beverley - who has lit up the stage this week in Marie and Rosetta which comes to a conclusion with two performances today (Saturday) - has had a plaque on seat B25 of the theatre in her honour.
She joins distinguished actor Ian McKellen and comedian John Bishop amongst others to have their contributions to the famous theatre marked.
The 52-year-old, who said she was 'thrilled' to be back on stage in her home city after a sell-out concert at The Halls last year, was emotional when the Express & Star revealed the plaque to her.
She said: "I am really emotional and don't know what to say, which is unusual for me. I first performed here as a 12-year-old in West Side Story where I was part of the chorus line and all these years later I am back and performing in what is a wonderful show in one of the lead roles. To be honoured in this way is just wonderful.
"I have probably said it before but coming back to Wolverhampton is always special for me, so I was delighted when it was found we could fit The Grand in amongst two other venues for Marie and Rosetta.
"It gives my family a chance to come and see me - my mother has already been twice - and it is just like a homecoming but with a bigger twist because I get to perform in front of the wonderful people of this city."
Marie and Rosetta concludes today (Saturday) with a matinee performance at 2.30pm and a finale at 7.30pm with tickets available from the theatre.
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